Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tarkash, a frontline guided-missile frigate of the Indian Navy, visited Mombasa from 29 September to 02 October 2026, further strengthening the growing maritime and defence partnership between India and Kenya.

INS Tarkash was opened to visitors during its stay in Mombasa, welcoming students from Sahjanand Special School as well as members of the Indian diaspora and local community. A yoga session onboard brought together personnel of the Indian and Kenya Navies and members of the diaspora, further reflecting the strong people-to-people dimension of the bilateral relationship.

High Commissioner Dr. Adarsh Swaika and Captain Rohit Mishra, Commanding Officer of INS Tarkash, also co-hosted a deck reception onboard the ship, attended by representatives of the Kenya Navy, diplomatic corps and Indian community. The interaction underscored the longstanding friendship between India and Kenya and their shared interest in peace, stability and maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.

The visit also highlighted expanding cooperation in military healthcare. The High Commissioner visited Mtongwe Naval Base to review ongoing India–Kenya naval cooperation and inspected the site earmarked for installation of an MRI machine being gifted by the Indian Navy to the Kenya Navy. Medical personnel from both navies also exchanged experiences, including on the telemedicine facilities available onboard INS Tarkash.

As part of community outreach, High Commissioner of India to Kenya, Dr. Adarsh Swaika, the Assistant High Commissioner in Mombasa, and personnel from INS Tarkash visited Sahjanand Special School in Mtwapa, Kilifi, where donations were made in support of the institution.

Personnel from the ship also participated in a blood donation camp organised in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross in Mombasa.

During INS Tarkash’s visit to Mombasa, Indian Navy and Kenya Navy personnel undertook professional exchanges on Officer of the Day and Officer of the Watch duties, force protection, and electrical and engineering hygiene. These exchanges promoted shared learning and strengthened interoperability between the two navies. Medical personnel from both navies also exchanged experiences, including on the telemedicine facilities available onboard INS Tarkash.

The visit concluded with a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) between INS Tarkash and Kenya Navy Ship Jasiri off Mombasa, enhancing interoperability and operational coordination between the two navies.

This was the second visit by an Indian Navy ship to Kenya in 2026, following the visit of INS Trikand to Mombasa in April. The visit reflects the growing momentum in India–Kenya naval engagement, spanning training, professional exchanges, medical cooperation and maritime operations.