The Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804) arrived in Kochi on May 4, 2026, as part of its five-month Indo-Pacific deployment, the Indian Navy said. The warship was escorted into port by an Indian Navy fast interceptor craft and received a ceremonial welcome, including a naval band, underscoring bilateral defence ties. During the visit, a Dutch delegation led by Deputy Commander Rob De Wit and Marisa Gerards of the Royal Netherlands Navy met with Rear Admiral Prakash Gopalan, Chief of Staff of the Southern Naval Command. Discussions covered expanded cooperation in maritime training, operational engagement, and exchange of best practices, the Navy said. The delegation laid wreaths at the Southern Naval Command War Memorial in honour of the Netherlands' National Remembrance Day and visited naval training establishments to observe advanced simulators and infrastructure. A scheduled visit to Cochin Shipyard Limited aims to explore potential collaboration in shipbuilding and defence industry partnerships. HNLMS De Ruyter is set to conduct a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with an Indian Navy vessel before departing. The Indian Navy confirmed the exercise will focus on enhancing interoperability and operational coordination between the two forces.