New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarathi, arrived at Colombo, Sri Lanka, on October 26, 2026, for a port call aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and professional engagement between the two countries.
The ships received a ceremonial welcome from the Sri Lanka Navy in the presence of a naval band, marking the commencement of the visit. The port call provides an opportunity for professional interaction between the Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy, while enabling sea trainees undergoing training with the First Training Squadron to gain valuable exposure to international naval practices.
The visit reflects the continued maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka and their shared commitment to strengthening regional maritime security and cooperation.
Sri Lanka Navy Officials Interact with Indian Naval Trainees
Following the arrival of the ships, the Director General of Naval Training of the Indian Navy and the Commander of the Eastern Naval Area of the Sri Lanka Navy interacted with the sea trainees onboard the vessels.
The interaction provided a platform for the trainees to engage with senior naval officials and exchange perspectives on professional naval training. Such engagements help trainees gain a broader understanding of naval operations, training practices and the importance of cooperation between maritime forces.
The interaction also highlighted the role of professional exchanges in building mutual understanding and strengthening relationships between the two navies.
Professional Training and Passage Exercise Planned
During the port call, personnel from the Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy will participate in a series of professional and training engagements. These activities will include cross-training visits and a Passage Exercise (PASSEX).
The planned engagements will provide personnel from both navies with opportunities to exchange professional knowledge, familiarise themselves with each other’s practices and procedures, and improve coordination.
Cross-training visits are intended to promote learning through direct interaction, allowing naval personnel to understand different approaches to training and operational activities. The Passage Exercise will provide an opportunity for the participating forces to undertake coordinated maritime activities and strengthen their professional cooperation.
These engagements form an important part of naval diplomacy, helping build familiarity and confidence between the participating forces while supporting their ability to work together.
Community Outreach and Public Ship Visits
In addition to professional training activities, the port call will include community outreach programmes and ship visits for members of the public.
The outreach activities will provide opportunities for Indian naval personnel to interact with the local community and strengthen people-to-people connections between India and Sri Lanka.
Public ship visits will also allow visitors to familiarise themselves with the Indian Navy’s vessels and training activities. Such initiatives help increase awareness of naval operations and highlight the role of the armed forces in promoting maritime cooperation.
The combination of professional engagements and community activities reflects the wider objectives of the visit, extending cooperation beyond formal naval interactions.
INS Tir, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi Lead Training Engagement
The First Training Squadron plays an important role in the professional development of naval trainees through practical exposure and training activities. The participation of INS Tir, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi in the Colombo port call provides a platform for trainees to experience international naval engagement.
The visit enables sea trainees to observe professional interactions between the two navies and learn about the importance of coordination, communication and mutual understanding in maritime operations.
The port call also offers personnel from both countries an opportunity to share their experiences and strengthen professional relationships through structured training engagements.
India-Sri Lanka Maritime Partnership Under MAHASAGAR Vision
The visit underscores the enduring maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka and the continued commitment of both navies to professional engagement and cooperation.
It also aligns with India’s vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The vision emphasises mutual cooperation, regional security and collaborative efforts to promote sustainable growth and prosperity across the wider maritime region.
Through naval visits, professional exchanges, training exercises and community engagement, India and Sri Lanka continue to strengthen their maritime relationship.
The First Training Squadron’s arrival in Colombo represents another opportunity to deepen naval cooperation, promote professional learning and reinforce the shared commitment of both countries to maritime security and regional prosperity.
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