New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron has departed Seychelles after completing a port visit focused on maritime cooperation, professional training, and stronger defence relations.
The deployment involved Indian Navy ships and an Indian Coast Guard ship. The visit also included joint exercises, firefighting training, community outreach activities, and interactions with Seychelles defence personnel.
Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Departs Seychelles
The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) departed Seychelles on October 15, 2026, after completing its port call. The visit began on October 12, 2026, during the squadron’s ongoing long-range training deployment.
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The visit aimed to strengthen the longstanding partnership between India and Seychelles. It also provided an opportunity for both countries to improve professional training, exchange knowledge, and build stronger defence ties. The deployment reflects India’s continued efforts to promote maritime security and cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region.
Which Ships Participated In The Indian Navy Seychelles Visit
The First Training Squadron’s deployment included three vessels:
- INS Tir: An Indian Navy training ship.
- INS Sujata: An Indian Navy ship involved in training activities.
- ICGS Sarathi: An Indian Coast Guard ship.
These vessels visited Seychelles as part of their long-range training deployment. Their activities supported professional exchanges, capacity building, and closer cooperation with Seychelles’ maritime and defence personnel.
What is the Importance of Indian Navy Seychelles Visit
During the port call, the Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron and commanding officers of the visiting ships met Major General Michael Rosette, Chief of the Seychelles Defence Force (SDF).
The discussions focused on the longstanding partnership between the two countries and ways to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.
Professional interactions between the personnel also helped improve mutual understanding and encouraged the sharing of operational knowledge. India and Seychelles have maintained close maritime relations, with cooperation covering training, maritime security, and regional stability.
Joint Training And Maritime Exercises
The programme included professional activities and cross-training visits involving personnel from the Indian Navy and the Seychelles Defence Force. These activities gave participants opportunities to learn from each other, exchange practical knowledge, and improve their ability to work together during maritime operations.
Firefighting And Small-Arms Training
The visiting squadron conducted cross-training activities that included firefighting and small-arms training for Seychelles Defence Force personnel. Such activities help improve practical skills, emergency preparedness, and operational coordination among participating forces. Joint training also supports the development of professional relationships between the personnel of both countries.
Passage Exercise With Seychelles Coast Guard
The First Training Squadron conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Seychelles Coast Guard ship Andromache. The exercise included several coordinated activities, such as:
- Joint patrolling.
- Communication drills.
- Coordinated manoeuvres.
- Professional exchanges between maritime personnel.
These activities help participating forces practise communication and coordination while operating together at sea. They also support stronger maritime cooperation and improve understanding between the two countries’ maritime services.
Indian Navy Seychelles Visit: Indian Navy Conducts Community Outreach Activities
Alongside professional training, the First Training Squadron carried out community outreach activities during its stay in Seychelles. These initiatives aimed to strengthen people-to-people connections and promote goodwill between India and Seychelles.
Medical Camp And Essential Supplies
The outreach programme included a medical camp and the distribution of essential supplies at the Point La Rue elderly home. These activities reflected the squadron’s community engagement efforts and its interaction with local residents.
Interaction With Schoolchildren
The visiting personnel also interacted with schoolchildren in Seychelles. Such activities provide opportunities for cultural exchange and help build friendly relations between communities.
Indian Navy Band Performance
The programme also featured a musical performance by the Indian Navy Band. The performance formed part of the squadron’s community outreach activities and helped showcase India’s cultural traditions during the visit.
Indian Navy Seychelles Visit: MAHASAGAR Vision And Regional Maritime Security
The deployment supports India’s vision of MAHASAGAR, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The vision highlights India’s focus on cooperation, regional security, and shared development with partner countries.
Through training deployments, joint exercises, and community engagement, the Indian Navy works to strengthen relationships with friendly maritime nations.
Cooperation with Seychelles is particularly important because both countries have an interest in maintaining a safe and stable Indian Ocean Region. Stronger maritime partnerships can also improve coordination in addressing common maritime challenges.
Why Is India-Seychelles Maritime Cooperation Important
India and Seychelles share an important maritime relationship in the Indian Ocean Region. Cooperation between their defence and maritime forces helps build trust and improve professional capabilities.
Joint training exercises allow personnel to practise communication, coordinated manoeuvres, and other operational skills.
Regular port visits also create opportunities for dialogue, cultural exchange, and stronger institutional relationships. The First Training Squadron’s visit to Seychelles therefore represents both a training activity and an effort to maintain close ties between the two countries.
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FAQs
The deployment included INS Tir, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS Sarathi.
The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron departed Seychelles on October 15, 2026, after completing a port call that began on October 12, 2026.
The visit aimed to strengthen maritime cooperation, improve professional training, and reinforce defence relations between India and Seychelles. Activities included joint training, a Passage Exercise with the Seychelles Coast Guard, and community outreach programmes.
