Indian Naval Ship Trishul, a frontline guided-missile stealth frigate, arrived at Valencia, Spain, on September 30 as part of its ongoing deployment to the Mediterranean, Atlantic and adjoining maritime regions, the Ministry of Defence said.

During the port call, the ship will undertake professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sporting events and cultural engagements with the Spanish Navy, aimed at exchanging operational experience and strengthening mutual understanding.

The visit follows INS Trishul’s participation in the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna, the annual bilateral maritime exercise with the French Navy at Toulon. The frigate had arrived at Toulon on September 22.

The sea phase saw Trishul operate alongside French units including the frigates Forbin and La Fayette, the nuclear attack submarine Suffren, NH90 helicopters and Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft. Drills covered anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, live firing and cross-deck helicopter landings. The crew also laid a wreath at the Mazargues War Memorial in Marseille honouring 205 Indian soldiers of the World Wars.