New Delhi: The ships of the First Training Squadron (1TS)—INS Tir, INS Shardul, and ICGS Sarathi—departed Port Victoria, Seychelles on 4 September 2025, marking the completion of a robust four-day visit as part of their ongoing Long Range Training Deployment. The visit included extensive bilateral engagement with the Seychelles Defence Force (SDF), significantly strengthening maritime ties between India and Seychelles.
Strengthening Defence and Diplomatic Partnerships
During their port call, senior officers of 1TS met key leadership including Seychelles’ Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, and Chief of Defence Forces, Maj Gen Michael Rosette. Discussions reaffirmed the longstanding partnership and military collaboration between the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces.
A deck reception onboard the squadron’s ships brought together SDF leadership, members of the Indian diaspora, diplomats, and distinguished guests, where Maj Gen Rosette lauded the Indian Navy’s role in enhancing regional maritime cooperation.
Professional Exchanges, Cultural Events, and Community Outreach
The visit featured multiple professional and cross-training activities, including SDF personnel undertaking training on small arms and firefighting aboard Indian vessels, as well as joint yoga sessions and football matches to foster mutual understanding and camaraderie.
Indian trainees visited the Seychelles Coast Guard Base and Maritime Training & Support Centre, enriching their learning experiences. The Indian Naval band gave a lauded public performance at Victoria’s Town Clock Tower, and the squadron engaged in community outreach by providing essential supplies and medical checkups to residents of an elderly home in Point Larue.
International Collaboration and Vision
Professional interactions were also held with the Spanish Navy during the visit of ESPS Navarra, reflecting wider international maritime cooperation in the region. The deployment, aligning with India’s MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), demonstrated the Indian Navy’s commitment to capacity building and regional partnerships throughout the Indian Ocean Region.
Conclusion
The successful completion of the visit to Seychelles by the First Training Squadron underscores India’s ongoing commitment to maritime diplomacy, capacity building, and regional security. The outreach activities and bilateral exchanges further consolidated bonds of friendship, professionalism, and mutual advancement for security and growth across the region.
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Source: PIB
