Royal Netherlands Navy Ship HNLMS De Ruyter (F804), a De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate, arrived at Kochi on 04 May 2026
The ship is on a five-month long deployment to the Indo-Pacific region
The delegation comprised Major General (Royal Marines) Rob De Wit, Deputy Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy, and Ms Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
The Netherlands naval delegation called on RAdm Prakash Gopalan, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command
Discussions covered matters of mutual interest in the maritime domain and avenues for enhancing cooperation between the two Navies
On departure from Kochi, HNLMS De Ruyter will undertake a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with an Indian Naval ship
The delegation will visit Cochin Shipyard Limited to gain insights into India's shipbuilding capabilities
The delegation will engage in bilateral engagements focusing on enhancing training cooperation and sharing of Best Practices
The delegation will visit various professional training establishments at Southern Naval Command
The visit included a ceremonial reception with a Naval Band and escort by Fast Interceptor Craft of the Indian Navy
Wreaths were laid at the SNC War Memorial on 04 May, coinciding with the National Remembrance Day of the Netherlands
