Indian Naval Ship Tarkash arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, on 30 Oct 2026, as part of her ongoing operational deployment to the Southern Indian Ocean Region. The port call reflects the close maritime partnership between India and Mauritius and provides an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral naval cooperation through professional interactions, joint activities and cultural exchanges.
During the port call, the ship’s crew will undertake a series of engagements with personnel of the Mauritius Coast Guard, including joint training activities aimed at sharing operational experiences and Best Practices, enhancing interoperability and strengthening coordination between the two maritime forces. Cultural exchanges and community outreach activities will also form part of the visit, providing opportunities for interaction between the personnel of the two countries and fostering closer people-to-people ties.
INS Tarkash will also participate in events commemorating the 192nd Aapravasi Diwas of Mauritius on 02 Nov 2026. The annual observance commemorates the arrival of the first batch of indentured labourers from India at Aapravasi Ghat, Port Louis, on 02 Nov 1834. The day honours the historical legacy, sacrifices and contributions of these labourers, whose descendants now constitute a significant part of the Mauritian population and have contributed to the island nation's cultural and economic development. The participation of INS Tarkash in the commemorative events underscores the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between the two countries.
The port call is an important manifestation of India's enduring partnership with Mauritius, underpinned by shared historical links, cultural affinity and mutual trust. It also highlights the Indian Navy's continued engagement with friendly maritime nations in the Indian Ocean Region, contributing to maritime cooperation, regional security and stability. Through such deployments and engagements, the Indian Navy continues to strengthen maritime partnerships and advance the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
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