Indian Navy Training Squadron Completes Port Call in Seychelles After Week-Long Engagement

Strengthening Maritime Ties: Indian Navy's First Training Squadron Completes Successful Port Call in Seychelles

The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, set sail from Port Victoria, Seychelles, on October 15, 2026, marking the conclusion of their port call, which began on October 12, 2026, as part of their ongoing training deployment. This significant engagement served as a testament to the enduring partnership between India and Seychelles, with a focus on professional training, capacity building, and fostering connections with the country's leadership and maritime community.

During their port call, the Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron, accompanied by the Commanding Officers of the visiting ships, paid a courtesy call on Maj Gen Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces, Seychelles Defence Force (SDF). The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to reinforce their bilateral cooperation and explore avenues for further collaboration. The discussions underscored the strong foundation of the India-Seychelles partnership, which has been nurtured through various joint initiatives and activities over the years.

The First Training Squadron's port call was marked by a series of professional activities, designed to promote mutual understanding and capacity building. These initiatives included cross-training visits, where personnel from the Indian Navy and the Seychelles Defence Force had the opportunity to learn from each other's expertise. Additionally, the visiting ships conducted firefighting and small-arms training for SDF personnel, aimed at enhancing their skills and readiness.

One of the highlights of the port call was the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) conducted with Seychelles Coast Guard Ship Andromache. This joint exercise featured a range of activities, including joint patrolling, communication drills, and coordinated manoeuvres. The PASSEX demonstrated the strong interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Seychelles Coast Guard, underscoring their ability to work together in a seamless manner.

The First Training Squadron also undertook a range of outreach initiatives, aimed at fostering goodwill and promoting people-to-people diplomacy. These initiatives included a medical camp, where Indian Navy personnel provided medical assistance to the local community. The visiting ships also distributed essential supplies at the Point La Rue elderly home, demonstrating the Indian Navy's commitment to supporting vulnerable sections of society. Furthermore, schoolchildren from the Seychelles were treated to a visit by the Indian Navy's band, which performed a musical programme. These outreach initiatives served as a testament to the Indian Navy's role as a force for good, and its commitment to building bridges with the local community.

The deployment of the First Training Squadron to Seychelles underscores the Indian Navy's commitment to capacity building and regional partnerships. This vision is in line with the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative, which seeks to promote regional cooperation and security. The Indian Navy's engagement with Seychelles is a key component of this initiative, and serves as a model for future partnerships in the region.

Key Takeaways

• The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron completed a successful port call in Seychelles, marking the conclusion of their training deployment.
• The port call reinforced the longstanding partnership between India and Seychelles, with a focus on professional training, capacity building, and outreach initiatives.
• The First Training Squadron conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Seychelles Coast Guard Ship Andromache, demonstrating strong interoperability between the two forces.
• The deployment underscores the Indian Navy's commitment to capacity building and regional partnerships, in line with the MAHASAGAR initiative.
• The outreach initiatives undertaken by the First Training Squadron served as a testament to the Indian Navy's role as a force for good, and its commitment to building bridges with the local community.