INS Tarkash Concludes Port Call in Seychelles: Features, Range, Missions, and Deployments

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tarkash concluded its port call at Port Victoria, Seychelles, and departed on 15 June 2026 for further deployment, said the Ministry of Defence. INS Tarkash had reached Seychelles's Port Victoria on 12 June 2026 during operational deployment to the South West Indian Ocean region. 

🇮🇳 🤝 🇸🇨 #BridgesofFriendship#INSTarkash departed from Port Victoria, Seychelles on #15Jun 26 after a successful port call during which she conducted various community outreach and cultural activities.
The visit reaffirmed India's commitment to maritime cooperation, regional… https://t.co/t1ShRNCyIy pic.twitter.com/iFCs1mEFU4

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 17, 2026

During the visit, the INS Tarkash aimed at strengthening maritime ties between India and Seychelles. As part of its outreach initiatives, the warship engaged in diplomatic activities and professional exchanges. The medical team aboard the ship also conducted a humanitarian programme for elderly residents.

A cultural evening was also held onboard the ship, which was attended by the Vice President of Seychelles Alix Sebastien Pillay, along with members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the High Commission of India and other distinguished guests.

The visit of INS Tarkash reaffirmed India's commitment to bolstering maritime cooperation, regional security and the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). 

What is INS Tarkash?

INS Tarkash (F50) is a state-of-the-art stealth frigate of the Indian Navy. The name Tarkash translates to 'Quiver' - a case for arrows in Hindi. 

Built at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad Russia, the INS Tarkash was commissioned into the Indian Navy by Vice Admiral Shekhar Kumar Sinha, Flag Officer, Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, on 9 November 2012, at Kaliningrad. INS Tarkash joined the Western Naval Command on 27 December 2012.

INS Tashkar is the second in the Talwar-class guided-missile frigate, which are modified Krivak III-class frigates built by Russia. 

Key Features and Range of INS Tarkash

INS Tarkash displaces 3,850 tonnes. It is 124.8 metres long with a beam size of 15.2 metres and a draught of 4.2 metres. It has a crew capacity of upto 300 personnel, including 40 officers. 

The ship uses stealth technologies and a special hull design to ensure a reduced radar cross section.

INS Tarkash boasts a maximum operational range of 4,850 nautical miles (8,980 km) at 14 knots and 1,600 nautical miles (3,000 km) at 30 knots. It can operate for upto 30 days without refueling.

Equipped with a weapon sensor that makes it capable of assessing threats across sea, air, and surface.

INS Tarkash is powered by M7N-1E gas turbine plant, which features two DS-71 cruise turbines and two DT-59 boost turbines.

The main difference between Tarkash and the earlier flight of Talwar-class ships is the use of BrahMos missiles in place of the Klub-N missiles. 

INS Tarkash can operate either the Kamov Ka-28 Helix-A for anti-submarine warfare or the Kamov Ka-31 Helix-B for airborne early warning.

Key Missions of INS Tarkash

Operation Raahat: INS Tarkash, in March 2015, was deployed with INS Mumbai and INS Sumitra as part of Operation Raahat to protect and extend support to Indian ships and aircrafts involved in the evacuation of Indian citizens from Yemen.

Maritme Operations: On 14 March 2024, INS Tarkash intercepted the hijacked Bangladeshi MV Abdullah east of Somalia coast to ensure the safety of the crew members onboard. 

Anti-Narcotics Operations: On 1 April 2025, INS Tarkash intercepted and seized over 2500 kg of narcotics in the Western India Ocean. On 31 March 2025, INS Tarkash, while patrolling, received multiple inputs from Indian Navy P8I aircraft regarding suspicious vessels involved in illicit activities, including narcotics trafficking.

INS Tarkash Key Deployments

INS Tarkash is heavily deployed for anti-piracy and anti-narcotics patrols, ensuring safety of international maritime trade. INS Tarkash deployments include strategic port calls to strengthen maritime bilateral ties. During crises, INS Tarkash provides humanitarian assistance. It participates in joint maritime exercises with foreign navies. Few of the key deployments of INS Tarkash are as follows:

South-West Indian Ocean (2026): Deployed to conduct diplomatic exchanges, ensure regional maritime security, and carry out community outreach alongside the Seychelles Defence Forces.

Western Indian Ocean (2025): Deployed in the Western Indian Ocean since January 2025 for martime security operations, INS Tarkash actively supported Combined Task Force (CFT) 150 and concluded multi-national forces joint focus operation Anzac Tiger. INS Tarkash successfully intercepted and seized over 2,500 kg of narcotics.

Gulf of Guinea (2022): INS Tarkash became the first Indian warship to patrol the Gulf of Guinea. It completed a 41-day anti-piracy deployment in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa. Deployed for anti-piracy operations, provide assistance to vessels in distress, search and rescue drills, conduct communication drills, and other maritime exercises.

Long-Range Atlantic and African: As a part of Indian Navy's Overseas Deployment to Africa, Europe, and Russia, INS Tarkash made strategic port calls at Dakar, Senegal and Walvis Bay, Namibia to strengthen bilateral ties.