The ships were received by senior naval authorities in the background of fanfare by the naval band

ontinuing with the robust partnership at armed forces-level between the two countries, French Naval Ships Tonnerre (amphibious assault ship) and Surcouf (frigate class ship) made a two- day goodwill visit to Kochi.

Tweeting about it PRO Defence Kochi wrote: “Harkaamdeshkenaam French Naval ships Tonnerre & Surcouf visits #GodsOwnCountry @ Kochi.The ships entered Harbour in the background of fanfare by Indian Naval Band from #SNC.”


The French delegation comprising Emmanuel Lenain, French Ambassador to India, Rear Admiral Jacques Fayard, French Joint Forces Commander in the Indian Ocean (ALINDIEN) and Lise Talbot Barre, Consul General of France in Puducherry were also present, as part of the visit.

The French delegation and the Commanding Officers of the French Naval ships called on Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, V Adm AK Chawla on Tuesday. The ships will be departing Kochi April 1.


Interactions between India and France have evolved into a strong partnership especially in the domain of maritime security. The regular conduct of bilateral exercises, goodwill visits by ships and high level delegation visits involving both the navies are indicative of growth in mutual cooperation and jointmanship.