This visit is part of a broader series of European port calls by INS Tabar
The Indian Navy’s frontline stealth frigate, INS Tabar, arrived at the historic port city of Malaga, Spain, on August 25, 2024, for a two-day visit aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between India and Spain. 

This visit, part of a broader series of European port calls, underscores the deepening maritime cooperation between the two nations and reflects India’s growing emphasis on engaging with global partners in the maritime domain.

Exploring New Avenues in Maritime Collaboration 

 In recent months, INS Tabar has made port calls at St Petersburg in Russia, Hamburg in Germany, London in the United Kingdom, and Gothenburg in Sweden, and Esbjerg in Denmark.

INS Tabar’s visit to Malaga is a significant step in further strengthening these ties. The Indian Navy’s statement emphasized that the visit aims to reinforce the bonds between the two countries while exploring new avenues for collaboration in the maritime sector. Given Spain’s strategic maritime interests, the visit also highlights India’s commitment to fostering partnerships that contribute to regional and global maritime security.

During its stay at Malaga port, the crew of INS Tabar, led by Captain MR Harish, engaged in several professional interactions with their counterparts from the Spanish Navy, officially known as the Armada Española. These interactions were designed to enhance interoperability between the two navies and offer an opportunity for both sides to learn from each other’s experiences and operational practices.

The Armada Española, one of the oldest and most prestigious naval forces in the world, continues to play a crucial role in maintaining maritime security in the Mediterranean and beyond. The professional engagements between the Indian and Spanish naval personnel during INS Tabar’s visit are expected to focus on sharing best practices in areas such as naval operations, maritime surveillance, and logistics management.

A highlight of this visit will be the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) that INS Tabar will conduct with the Spanish Navy’s patrol vessel, Atalaya, upon its departure from Malaga. PASSEX exercises are a standard naval practice aimed at enhancing tactical communication, coordination, and interoperability between the participating navies. The exercise with Atalaya, a Serviola-class patrol boat, will provide both navies with a valuable opportunity to practice joint operations and refine their collaborative capabilities.

INS Tabar, a Talwar-class stealth frigate, represents the cutting edge of the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities. Commissioned in 2004, the 4,000-tonne warship is equipped with a wide array of advanced weapons and sensors, making it one of the most potent platforms in the Indian Navy’s arsenal. The ship is part of the Sword Arm Fleet, based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command, and plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean and beyond.

The frigate’s stealth features, coupled with its versatility in handling various types of naval missions, make INS Tabar an ideal platform for international engagements such as the one in Spain.

Spain a Significant Partner for Indian Navy in Europe

 India and Spain established diplomatic relations in 1956 with the opening of the Spanish Embassy in New Delhi. Since then, the two nations have steadily expanded their ties, with maritime cooperation becoming a critical component of their bilateral relationship. Spain, with its extensive coastline and strategic location in the Mediterranean, plays a vital role in European maritime security. India recognizes the importance of Spain’s role in this domain and has been actively collaborating with the Spanish government and navy on various maritime initiatives

The visit of INS Tabar to Spain comes at a time when India is actively pursuing closer defence and maritime ties with European nations. Spain, in particular, has emerged as a significant partner in India’s efforts to enhance its naval capabilities. Recently, the Indian Navy completed field evaluation trials for Project 75I, a ₹43,000-crore initiative to build six advanced submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems. Navantia, a Spanish state-owned shipbuilder, is one of the contenders for this project, showcasing its S80-class submarine during the trials.

The potential collaboration on the Project 75I program is a testament to the growing defense and technological cooperation between India and Spain. It also underscores the strategic importance of the relationship, as both countries seek to leverage their respective strengths to enhance their naval capabilities and ensure the security of their maritime domains.

For Spain, the visit provides an opportunity to showcase its naval capabilities and strengthen its defense ties with India, a major player in the Indo-Pacific region. 

The arrival of INS Tabar at Malaga port is a significant event in the context of India-Spain relations. It represents a continued commitment by both nations to strengthen their maritime ties and work together on issues of mutual interest. As the Indian Navy continues to expand its global reach, visits like these play a crucial role in enhancing interoperability, fostering goodwill, and building long-term strategic partnerships.

The two-day visit of INS Tabar to Spain is not just a testament to the strong and growing relationship between New Delhi and Madrid, but also a clear signal of India’s intent to play a proactive role in global maritime security. As both nations continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, their collaboration in the maritime domain will undoubtedly be a key pillar of their bilateral relationship.