Indian Navy’s latest stealth frigate, INS Tamal, has concluded a port call at Naples, Italy, during her return passage to India. The Defence Ministry in a statement today said that the visit underscored the strong bilateral relations between the two nations, which were formally elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2023. During the port call at Naples that concluded yesterday, INS Tamal engaged in a range of activities focused on furthering defence cooperation and collaboration between India and Italy. Bilateral discussions with senior military and local officials, as well as professional exchanges, were the highlights of the visit.
The Commanding Officer called on Vice Admiral Pierpaolo Budri, Chief of Staff of the Logistics Command of the Italian Navy and Ms Laura Lieto, Deputy Mayor of Naples. Both sides discussed various initiatives under the India-Italy Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029.
INS Tamal also participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with ITS Trieste, the recently commissioned Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) of the Italian Navy, prior to entering harbour at Naples. Joint operations during the PASSEX included communication exercises, manoeuvres and flying operations and exchange of sea riders, finally culminating in a steam past.
INS Tamal and the Embassy of India in Rome hosted a cultural program onboard for officials from the local Government, the Italian Navy, and the Diplomatic Corps based at Rome, and representatives of UN agencies based in Italy and Italian defence industry leaders.