Indian Naval Ships Tarkash and Ikshak conclude port call at Port Victoria, Seychelles

📌 Summary:

• INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak concluded a port call at Port Victoria, Seychelles (29 June 2026), during Seychelles' National Day and Golden Jubilee celebrations
• INS Tarkash's marching contingent and Naval Band took part in the National Day Parade (28 June 2026), with India's PM as Guest of Honour
• INS Ikshak (a hydrographic survey ship) hosted 300+ visitors, showcasing hydrographic survey capabilities and India's hydrographic cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
• Community outreach: the crew organised a health camp and distributed first-aid kits and essential supplies with the High Commission of India
• Reaffirms India's maritime cooperation under the MAHASAGAR vision and its focus on interoperability, capacity building and maritime security in the IOR

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 – Maritime security and naval/defence diplomacy in the Indian Ocean Region; India as a "net security provider" and first responder.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• MAHASAGAR = Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (builds on the SAGAR doctrine)
• INS Ikshak is a hydrographic survey vessel
• Port Victoria is the capital of Seychelles

🔑 Key Term: MAHASAGAR – India's Indian Ocean maritime-outreach vision emphasising security, growth and regional cooperation, evolving from the earlier SAGAR doctrine.