“INS Trikand” at Mauritius National Day Parade

By Raju Vernekar

 Indian Naval Ship “Trikand” participated in the 58th Mauritius National Day celebrations on March 12, 2026 with a marching contingent, naval band and integral helicopter for the flypast at the National Day Parade at Champ de Mars, Port Louis.

 This was in keeping with the tradition of Indian warships and aircraft participating in Mauritius National Day celebrations.

 The deployment of the warship and aircraft underscored India’s deep commitment to promoting a safe, secure and stable Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in partnership with Mauritius, with which it shares strong historical, political, economic, security and socio-cultural connections.

 The 58th Mauritius National Day was marked by a strong Indian presence, highlighting deep bilateral ties. Additionally, Mauritian students in India celebrated the occasion at institutions like Parul University in Gujarat.

 Key Highlights of the 58th Celebration: Naval Participation: INS Trikand represented India at the celebrations at Champ de Mars, Port Louis, reinforcing maritime cooperation. Diplomatic Engagement: INS Trikand Commanding Officer Captain Sachin Kulkarni met with senior Mauritian government and Coast Guard officials. Cultural Connection: Celebrations recognized the 58 years of independence and 34 years of republic status, with strong emphasis on the shared history and culture between India and Mauritius and Student Celebrations: Mauritian students studying in India held events to mark the occasion. 

 A grand flag-raising ceremony was held at Champ de Mars. The ceremony was graced by the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Dharam Gokhool, Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam; Ministers and other personalities. The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, and the First Lady of the Republic of Seychelles, Mrs Veronique Herminie, attended as Chief Guests.

 The theme of the ceremony, ‘In Peace, Justice and Liberty’, resonated throughout the proceedings. The national flag was hoisted as the national anthem was played across the grounds. A 21-Gun Salute followed the raising of the flag as part of the official ceremony.

 The celebration continued with a trooping of the National Color by the Police helicopter, a highly anticipated tradition where the flag is paraded to showcase the nation’s unity and pride. The spectacle reached new heights with fly pasts by the Mauritius Police Force helicopters, Indian Navy helicopter, the Dornier aircraft, and the CASA aircraft of the Forces Armées de la Zone Sud de l’Océan Indien.

 The event also featured a march-past, with members of the Mauritius Disciplined Forces, the Mauritius Revenue Authority, the Fisheries Protection Service, the Détachement from the French 2ème Régiment de Parachutistes d’Infanterie de Marine des Forces Armées de la Zone Sud de l’Océan Indien, and contingents from Seychelles People’s Defence Forces and the Indian Navy together with majors and majorettes of Queen Elizabeth College and representatives of Uniformed Organizations.

 The celebrations proceeded with, amongst others, a défilé of vehicles, performances by the bands of the Mauritius Police Force and the Indian Navy, and a demonstration by Dog Units of the Mauritius Police Force, the Mauritius Prison Service and the Mauritius Revenue Authority.

A cultural program, a popular show and a drone show by the Mauritius Film Development Corporation were also on the agenda