The swift assault vessel INS Tarmugli is being ceremoniously re-commissioned at the naval dockyard yesterday by the Indian Navy, following a seventeen-year sail under a different flag and two names.
Previously known as INS Tillanchang and MCGS Huravee, this 22-year-old vessel has undergone refurbishment and is a rare example of maritime diplomacy as it serves under two different flags.
“INS Tarmugli’s journey is a testament to the strong bonds India shares with its neighbors,” stated a Navy spokesperson.
She was commissioned as INS Tillanchang and served with distinction in the Indian Navy till 2006.
The Government of India gave the warship to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) as a favour and to promote security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
She served in the Maldives as MCGS Huravee, supporting their efforts to secure the coast for more than ten years.
In May 2023, the Maldivian government respectfully returned the naval vessel to India, recognising the two countries’ shared history and ongoing friendship.
Subsequently, INS Tarmugli has undergone comprehensive renovations, bringing her back to full operational condition.
She was renamed INS Tarmugli, after an island in the Andaman archipelago, and officially returned to active duty under the Indian flag yesterday with a ceremony.
“This re-induction is a testament to the enduring value and adaptability of our naval assets,” added the spokesperson. “INS Tarmugli’s past service has proven her capabilities, and her refurbished form will further strengthen our maritime security posture.”
The INS Tarmugli story is more than simply the tale of a ship; it is a representation of the close relationships that exist between India and its maritime neighbours.
Her trip through two countries and three names demonstrates the value of cooperation and the ongoing legacy of India’s dedication to regional security.
