The Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter arrived in Kochi on Monday, May 4, 2026, for a port call lasting until May 7. The air defence and command frigate is on its 160-day INDOPAC 2026 deployment across the Indo-Pacific region.

The visit coincides with a high-level delegation from the Netherlands, including Major General Rob De Wit, Deputy Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy, and Ambassador Marisa Gerards, who are engaging with officials at the Southern Naval Command. The Dutch delegation is assessing avenues for enhanced naval cooperation with India.

During its stay, the crew of HNLMS De Ruyter will conduct joint training exercises with the Indian Navy, aimed at strengthening interoperability and operational coordination between the two forces, according to an official statement from the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The exercises reflect growing defence ties between India and the Netherlands in the Indo-Pacific.

The Dutch warship's deployment underscores continued European naval engagement in the region. The Southern Naval Command will host discussions on maritime security and future collaboration before the delegation departs on Thursday.