Dutch navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter docked at Kochi on May 4, 2026, marking a significant moment in growing maritime cooperation between India and Netherlands.
The air defence frigate, currently on a five month deployment in the region, was given a ceremonial welcome on arrival, including an escort by Indian Navy vessels.
The port call aligns with a high-level Dutch delegation visit led by Major General (Royal Marines) Rob De Wit, Deputy Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy, along with Netherlands Ambassador Marisa Gerards.
During discussions with Rear Admiral Prakash Gopalan, Chief of Staff at the command, both sides explored ways to step up cooperation in training, joint exercises and operational coordination at sea.
The timing of the visit is notable, with the Dutch warship’s port call coinciding with the Netherlands’ National Remembrance Day. The visiting delegation marked the occasion by laying wreaths at the naval war memorial in Kochi.
According to a press statement by the Indian Navy, “The delegation is also scheduled to visit Cochin Shipyard Limited to gain insights into India’s shipbuilding capabilities and explore avenues for industrial cooperation.”
Following its stay in Kochi, HNLMS De Ruyter will participate in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with an Indian naval vessel. Such exercises are designed to enhance coordination, communication, and tactical interoperability between partnering navies.
The visit comes at a time when European nations, including the Netherlands, are increasing their naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. It underscores the Netherlands’ strategic interest in the region and reinforces India’s role as a key maritime partner in maintaining a free, open, and rules-based maritime order.