The Indian Navy’s INS Trishul has concluded its port call at Civitavecchia, Italy, following a series of professional and cultural engagements with the Italian Navy and local representatives.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the port call concluded on October 28, 2026, as part of the ship’s ongoing operational deployment in the Mediterranean Sea. The ministry announced the development through a press release issued on October 29.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: INS Trishul concluded its port call at Civitavecchia, Italy, on October 28, 2026.
Location: Italy
Authority/Organisation: Indian Navy, Ministry of Defence and Italian Navy.
Action Taken: Naval commanders held professional interactions, the Indian crew visited ITS Cavour, and cultural exchanges were conducted onboard INS Trishul.
Impact: The visit provided opportunities to strengthen professional ties and maritime engagement between the Indian Navy and Italian Navy.
During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Trishul called on the Fleet Commander of the Italian Navy. The ship’s crew also visited the Italian Navy’s aircraft carrier ITS Cavour at Civitavecchia. These engagements provided opportunities for naval personnel from both countries to interact and exchange professional experiences.
The port call also included cross-deck visits and cultural exchanges. Such activities allow personnel from participating navies to become familiar with each other’s ships, professional practices and maritime traditions.
India’s Ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao, and Vice Admiral Aurelio De Carolis, Fleet Commander and CINCNAV of the Italian Navy, visited INS Trishul and interacted with its crew.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Naval port calls help countries maintain regular engagement between their armed forces and build professional relationships beyond formal diplomatic meetings. For India, overseas deployments provide opportunities to engage with partner navies, exchange operational experience and maintain a visible maritime presence in important regions. The Mediterranean Sea connects several important commercial and maritime routes. Engagement with countries in the region can support broader discussions on maritime cooperation and security. The visit also demonstrates the diplomatic and public-engagement role of naval deployments. Interactions involving diplomats, naval officers and local communities can strengthen awareness of India's maritime capabilities and its relationship with partner countries. However, the port call should be understood as a professional and diplomatic engagement. The Ministry of Defence's announcement does not describe it as a combat operation or a new permanent military arrangement.
Both dignitaries attended a cultural event hosted onboard the Indian naval vessel. The event brought together the Mayor of Civitavecchia, senior officers of the Italian Navy and Coast Guard, defence envoys from 13 nations, civil dignitaries and members of the Indian diaspora.
The ship was also opened to visitors during its stay, attracting members of the Indian community and local residents. This public engagement provided an opportunity to showcase the Indian Navy’s maritime traditions and strengthen people-to-people connections.
The port call forms part of India's wider naval engagement with partner countries during overseas deployments. Such visits provide opportunities for professional interaction, diplomatic engagement and greater familiarity between naval forces.
INS Trishul had arrived at Civitavecchia on October 25. Before entering the harbour, it conducted a Passage Exercise, or PASSEX, with Italian Naval Ship Carlo Margottini.
The Ministry of Defence said the exercise involved coordinated manoeuvring drills, communication procedures, replenishment approaches, cross-deck landings, personnel transfers and boarding operations. The exercise was intended to facilitate the exchange of best practices and improve operational understanding between the two navies.
The arrival exercise and subsequent port engagements were separate activities. The PASSEX took place before the port call, while the professional and cultural engagements continued during the ship’s stay in Italy.
Following the conclusion of the visit, INS Trishul proceeded to the next phase of its operational deployment in the Mediterranean Sea. The Ministry of Defence described the port call as a reflection of the continuing maritime partnership between India and Italy.
