NEW DELHI: To boost maritime engagement with Southeast Asian nations, Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron, comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, reached Singapore’s Changi naval base on Jan 15. The squadron is on a training deployment to the South East Indian Ocean Region (IOR).The visit underscores the importance of strengthening bilateral ties between India and Singapore under India’s Act East Policy, the Indian high commission in Singapore said in a statement. The deployment is part of the training curriculum of the 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course and also marks a significant event in India-ASEAN relations, with 2026 being celebrated as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, it said.The deployment aims to provide comprehensive operational and cross-cultural exposure to officer trainees while reinforcing India’s sustained maritime engagement with Southeast Asian nations and its vision for a free, open and inclusive Indian Ocean Region.During the visit, personnel from the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy will engage in several harbour activities and professional interactions aimed at capability enhancement and greater maritime cooperation. A series of structured training exchanges, joint yoga sessions and sports fixtures involving trainees of both the navies are also planned. Cultural interactions will feature performances by Indian Naval Band at prominent public locations in Singapore. The ships will be open for visits by schoolchildren during their stay, the release stated.After Singapore, the squadron is scheduled to undertake port calls in Indonesia and Thailand.The First Training Squadron plays a key role in training officer cadets of Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and friendly foreign countries, providing hands-on experience in seamanship, navigation, ship handling and maritime operations.
