INS Tamal Strengthens India-Italy Ties in Naples Visit

INS Tamal Completes Naples Visit Strengthening India-Italy Ties

Why in the News ?

The Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tamal concluded a port call at Naples, Italy, highlighting strong bilateral defence cooperation. The visit included professional exchanges, PASSEX with ITS Trieste, and cultural engagements under the India-Italy Strategic Partnership (2023) and Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029.

INS Tamal Strengthens India-Italy Ties in Naples Visit

Key Highlights of the Visit

  • INS Tamal engaged in bilateral discussions with Italian military and local officials.
  • Commanding Officer met Vice Admiral Pierpaolo Budri and Deputy Mayor Laura Lieto.
  • Discussions revolved around initiatives under the India-Italy Strategic Action Plan (2025-2029).
  • Conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Italian Navy’s ITS Trieste.
  • Hosted a cultural program onboard with officials, diplomats, UN agencies, and defence industry leaders.

Understanding India-Italy Defence Ties:

  • Strategic Partnership (2023): Relations elevated during PM Meloni’s visit to India.
  • Strategic Action Plan (2025-2029): Focuses on defence, maritime security, renewable energy, and innovation.
  • Defence Cooperation: Includes joint naval exercises, industrial collaboration, and technology sharing.
  • Geostrategic Importance: Italy’s location in the Mediterranean Sea complements India’s Indo-Pacific vision.
  • PASSEX Exercises: Strengthen interoperability and naval coordination between partner countries.

Commissioning of INS Tamal – Key Facts

●      Commissioned: July 1, 2025, at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad (Russia).

●      Significance: Last foreign-built major warship inducted under Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Make in India.

●      Project & Class:

○        Part of Project 1135.6 (Talwar-class) frigates.

○        Second follow-on of the Tushil-class frigates.

●      Indigenous Component: 26% Indian systems, incl. BrahMos missile & HUMSA-NG sonar.

●      Capabilities:

○        Blue-water operations with multi-dimensional warfare (air, surface, sub-surface, electronic).

●      Armament:

○        BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (dual-role).

○        Vertical-launch SAMs, 100 mm main gun, 30 mm CIWS.

○        Anti-submarine rocket launchers & heavyweight torpedoes.

●      Features: Automated NBC defence, damage control, and firefighting systems.