Admiral Vorobyev Vladimir Mikhailovich, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, visited Indian Navy’s frontline stealth frigate INS Tamal in Kaliningrad on Saturday, underscoring growing defence cooperation between India and Russia.

The INS Tamal, commissioned at the Yantar Shipyard on July 1, is the eighth frigate under Project 1135.6 and second of the Tushil-class. During his visit, Admiral Mikhailovich was briefed on the ship’s advanced capabilities and held interactions with the crew to discuss operational readiness and avenues for future collaboration.

According to the Indian Embassy in Moscow, the Admiral emphasized the ongoing military partnership between the two countries and discussed areas for deepening bilateral cooperation.

INS Tamal is designed for blue-water operations across air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic domains. Integrating Indian and Russian technologies, the ship boasts state-of-the-art systems for network-centric warfare, as well as centralised damage control and NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) defence.

The vessel is manned by 26 officers and around 250 sailors, operating under the motto ‘Sarvatra Sarvada Vijaya’ (Victory always everywhere). It joins the elite Western Fleet of the Indian Navy, known as its “Sword Arm”.

India-Russia ties remain one of the most enduring partnerships globally. Beyond traditional military and nuclear collaboration, both nations are boosting connectivity through initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Chennai–Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor, and the Northern Sea Route. Bilateral trade has also doubled recently, surpassing the $30 billion goal for 2025.

The visit of Admiral Mikhailovich to INS Tamal reinforces the shared strategic vision of India and Russia and their mutual commitment to maintaining a multipolar, secure maritime order.