The Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804) arrived at Kochi on May 4 as part of its Indo-Pacific deployment, highlighting growing maritime cooperation between India and the Netherlands.
The warship was guided into harbour by an Indian Navy fast interceptor craft and received a ceremonial welcome with a naval band. The visit is taking place alongside a high-level Dutch delegation visiting the Southern Naval Command, led by senior officials including Rob De Wit and Marisa Gerards.
The frigate is currently on a five-month deployment across the Indo-Pacific region and is expected to take part in multiple joint exercises with partner navies, reflecting the Netherlands’ increasing strategic engagement in the region.
During the visit, discussions between the Dutch delegation and Indian naval leadership focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as training, operational coordination, and sharing best practices in maritime operations. The delegation also paid tribute at the Southern Naval Command War Memorial by laying wreaths in honour of fallen personnel.
Their itinerary includes visits to advanced training facilities under the Southern Naval Command, where they will observe simulation systems and modern naval training infrastructure. A visit to Cochin Shipyard Limited is also planned to explore potential collaboration in shipbuilding and industrial development.
Before departure, the Dutch frigate is scheduled to conduct a Passage Exercise with an Indian Naval vessel, aimed at improving interoperability and strengthening operational coordination between the two navies.
