New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) arrived off Malé, Maldives, on October 21, 2026, as part of its Long Range Training Deployment. The squadron comprises INS Tir, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi.
The ships received a warm welcome from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), reflecting the close maritime partnership and strong regional ties between India and the Maldives.
According to a Ministry of Defence press release, the visit aims to strengthen engagement, promote professional exchanges and enhance maritime cooperation between the Indian Navy and the MNDF.
Indian Navy Officials Hold Meetings With Maldives Defence Leadership
During the port call, the Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron called on the Chief of Defence Force of the MNDF and the Commandant of the MNDF Coast Guard.
The discussions focused on sustained engagement and multifaceted maritime cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Maldivian defence forces. The meetings provided an opportunity to reinforce bilateral defence ties and explore avenues for continued collaboration.
The Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron also called on G. Balasubramaniam, the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, as part of the squadron’s official engagements.
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First Training Squadron Trainees Visit Girifushi Training Centre
As part of the training exchanges, trainees from the First Training Squadron visited the Girifushi Training Centre in the Maldives.
The visit forms part of the squadron’s broader training deployment, which provides trainees with opportunities to gain practical exposure and interact with personnel from partner maritime forces.
Cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, social interactions and outreach activities are also planned during the port call. These activities are intended to foster camaraderie, strengthen professional relationships and promote mutual understanding between Indian and Maldivian personnel.
India-Maldives Maritime Cooperation Under MAHASAGAR Vision
The visit highlights the continued efforts by India and the Maldives to strengthen maritime cooperation and improve interoperability between their respective forces.
Interoperability enables partner forces to coordinate and work effectively together during maritime operations, training activities and other areas of mutual interest.
The engagement also aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The vision emphasises regional cooperation, shared security interests and collective growth.
Through port calls, joint engagements and professional training exchanges, the Indian Navy and the MNDF continue to build closer maritime ties and reinforce their partnership in the Indian Ocean region.
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