New Delhi: As part of their Long Range Training Deployment, ships from the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS)—INS Tir and ICGS Sarathi—arrived at La Réunion, while INS Shardul docked at Port Louis, Mauritius on 8th September 2025. At La Réunion, INS Tir and Sarathi were ceremonially received by the French Navy ship FS Nivose, marked by a Passage Exercise (PASSEX). The visit included joint professional exchanges such as cross-training, diving exercises, yoga sessions, and sports fixtures, reinforcing the India-France naval partnership. Senior officers engaged with French Naval Base Commanders discussing regional security and cooperation.
Parallelly, INS Shardul conducted joint patrolling and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with Mauritius Coast Guard units before arrival. High-level engagements with senior Mauritian officials reaffirmed bilateral maritime cooperation and cultural ties. Planned joint training exercises with Mauritius include diving operations, firefighting, damage control, and shipboard familiarization drills, complemented by community outreach and public engagement activities like ship tours and school visits.
Strengthening Regional Maritime Cooperation
The concurrent port calls at La Réunion and Mauritius manifest India’s commitment to fostering strong maritime partnerships within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). These operations align with India’s MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), aiming to enhance interoperability, regional security, and capacity building through multinational collaborations.
Building Bridges of Friendship through Naval Diplomacy
Beyond tactical training and operational familiarization, the deployment emphasizes people-to-people connections via cultural programs, yoga, and sports, seeking to build enduring goodwill with partner nations and local communities. Cross-deck visits and open-ship events offer Indian diaspora and general public insights into Indian Navy life and maritime defense roles.
Conclusion of Training Squadron
The Indian Navy’s 1TS Long Range Training Deployment presents a comprehensive approach to strengthening maritime security, bilateral ties, and regional cooperation in the Southwest Indian Ocean. Through integrated training, diplomacy, and community engagement, it exemplifies India’s strategic vision to maintain a stable, prosperous, and collaborative oceanic neighborhood.
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Source: PIB
