Indian Frigate INS Tushil (F70) Visiting London

Published 23-Dec-24 · Updated 29-Dec-24

The Indian Navy frigate F70 INS Tushil passed through Tower Bridge to enter the Pool of London and tie up alongside HMS Belfast.

New Ship

INS Tushil visited London as part of her maiden cruise having been commissioned into the Indian Navy at Kalingrad in the Baltic. The ship was constructed to the Russian Admiral Grigorovich-class frigate design with lots of equipment sourced from Indian firms and named the Talwar-class for Indian service. The ship will be based at the Indian Navy base Kadamba on the West coast of India.

Navy Ships Visiting London

Over the course of the year, ships from friendly navies regularly visit London. The ships normally moor in either West India Dock, Greenwich, HMS President or the Pool of London.

Indian Navy Ship INS Tushil by Tower Bridge, London. 23-Dec-2025

INS Tushil with Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf (Docklands) in the background.

HMS Belfast Museum Ship

HMS Belfast is a museum ship, part of the Imperial War Museum. The veteran Royal Navy cruiser is moored in the Pool of London between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Having seen active service in World War Two, it is one of the very few ships allowed to fly the Royal Navy’s White Ensign flag.

Ceremony of the Constable’s Dues

Every year or so, a visiting Navy unit conducts the ancient Ceremony of the Constable’s Dues at the Tower of London. In the ceremony, the ship pays for the protection provided by the Tower’s cannon with a barrel of port.

Indian Navy Ship INS Tushil by Tower Bridge, London. 23-Dec-2027

With Tower Bridge as a backdrop, INS Tushil is bathed in the golden hues of sunrise.

INS Tushil’s Visit To London

The short three day visit, from Saturday 21st December 2024 until Monday 23rd December 2024, gave time for the crew to explore London in between official functions.

Being winter, the ship entered London (at 05:45) and departed (at 18:45) in darkness. On the day of departure a golden hue coloured the sky making for nice pictures.