In a significant step towards strengthening operational training and maritime diplomacy, the Indian Navy has deployed its First Training Squadron (1TS) on a Long Range Training Deployment (LRTD) to South East Asia. The deployment forms an integral part of the training curriculum of the 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course (IOTC) and underscores India’s sustained maritime engagement with the region.
Composition of the Training Squadron
The First Training Squadron comprises four ships:
-
INS Tir
-
INS Shardul
-
INS Sujata
-
ICGS Sarathi
Together, these platforms will provide officer trainees with hands-on exposure to long-duration deployments, seamanship, navigation, logistics, and operational planning in an international maritime environment.
Port Calls and Regional Engagement
As part of the deployment, the squadron will undertake port calls at Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. These visits are aimed at reinforcing India’s maritime cooperation with South East Asian nations, in alignment with India’s Act East Policy and the vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indian Ocean Region.
Training, Interoperability and Cooperation
During the port visits, a wide range of professional and cooperative engagements are planned with host navies and maritime agencies. These include:
-
Structured training exchanges
-
Cross-deck visits
-
Interactions with subject matter experts
-
Joint Maritime Partnership exercises
Such engagements are designed to enhance interoperability, mutual trust, and operational understanding, while enabling the exchange of best practices in maritime operations and training.
International and Joint Services Participation
Reflecting India’s commitment to regional capacity building, the 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course includes six international officer trainees from friendly foreign nations.
In addition, personnel from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force are embarked for the deployment. This joint participation further strengthens inter-service cooperation, jointness, and cohesiveness among the Armed Forces.
Strengthening Training Excellence and Maritime Diplomacy
The Long Range Training Deployment highlights the Indian Navy’s emphasis on training excellence, leadership development, and exposure to diverse operational environments. At the same time, it contributes to maritime diplomacy, regional goodwill, and a cooperative approach to maritime security in South East Asia.
Conclusion
The deployment of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron to South East Asia represents a blend of rigorous professional training and proactive maritime engagement. By combining operational learning with international cooperation, the initiative reinforces India’s role as a responsible maritime partner and prepares the next generation of officers for the challenges of an increasingly interconnected maritime domain.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
