Phuket: The Indian Navy First Training Squadron Thailand visit marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime engagement with Southeast Asia.
On 25 January 2026, the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, and INS Sujata, along with the Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS Sarathi, reached Phuket Deep Sea Port in Thailand.
The squadron received a warm ceremonial reception from the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), reflecting a growing commitment to regional security, shared naval cooperation, and strategic partnership between India and Thailand.
Details of Indian Navy First Training Squadron Thailand Visit
The Indian Navy ships anchored at Phuket Deep Sea Port on 25 January 2026 during their ongoing training deployment to Southeast Asia. The arrival was marked by ceremonial fanfare, including a musical welcome from the Royal Thai Navy Band, showcasing the friendly ties that bind the two maritime forces.
Read also: Inside INS Surat: The AI-Driven Warship Changing How the Indian Navy Fights at Sea
This visit symbolizes not just a naval port call, but a growing and maturing relationship between India and Thailand, rooted in shared values of maritime security and regional stability.
The year 2026 has been declared the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation, adding deeper importance to this visit.
What is the Importance of Indian Navy First Training Squadron Thailand Visit
During the port call, personnel from both the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy are taking part in professional and training interactions designed to enhance cooperation and build operational synergy.
Activities Plan
- Senior leadership engagements between Indian and Thai naval officials
- Professional exchanges between officers and trainees
- Structured yoga sessions promoting wellness and cultural exchange
- Friendly sports matches encouraging camaraderie
- Passage Exercise (PASSEX) to improve coordinated navigation and tactical skills
These activities are intended to build stronger working relationships and enhance practical knowledge between both naval forces.
Aligning with India’s Broader Maritime Vision
The Indian Navy First Training Squadron Thailand visit aligns closely with the Government of India’s MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. This vision emphasizes cooperative engagement, shared responsibilities, and collective growth across nations bordering the Indian Ocean.
Through such deployments, India continues to assert its role as a trusted maritime partner, committed to maintaining peace, enhancing cooperation, and strengthening security across the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.
India–Thailand Maritime Relations: A Growing Partnership
The bilateral relationship between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy has evolved steadily through consistent engagements, joint exercises, and coordinated patrols.
Key Collaborative Initiatives:
- Ex Ayutthaya – Periodic naval exercises aimed at mutual training and collaboration
- Indo–Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) – Joint patrols to ensure maritime safety in shared sea lanes
- SITMEX – A trilateral maritime exercise conducted with other partner navies, strengthening interoperability and professional rapport
These initiatives have enhanced operational coordination, mutual understanding, and regional maritime confidence.
Looking Ahead: India to Chair IONS in 2026
The Indian Navy is preparing to assume the Chair of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from Thailand in February 2026. This transition reflects the trust and shared leadership within the Indian Ocean community of navies.
IONS serves as an important platform for fostering maritime cooperation, building shared strategies for security, and promoting peace across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India’s leadership role underscores its commitment as a responsible partner in regional maritime partnerships.
Read also: Explained: Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron at Changi Naval Base and Its Strategic Significance
