NewKerala.com

Indian Navy Training Squadron Docks in Singapore, Boosting Maritime Ties

The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron has arrived at Singapore's Changi Naval Base for a significant training deployment. The visit includes a series of professional interactions, joint training, and cultural exchanges with the Republic of Singapore Navy. This deployment is particularly notable as it precedes the officially designated ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation in 2026. The engagement reinforces maritime security partnerships and underscores India's commitment to its Act East Policy and regional maritime initiatives.

Key Points: Indian Navy Training Squadron Arrives in Singapore

  • Training deployment to South East Indian Ocean Region
  • Joint exercises with Republic of Singapore Navy
  • Cultural and professional exchanges planned
  • Part of ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation 2026
  • Advances India's Act East Policy
2 min read

Indian Navy's first training squadron arrives at Changi Naval Base in Singapore

Indian Navy's First Training Squadron arrives at Changi Naval Base for joint exercises, enhancing maritime cooperation ahead of ASEAN-India Year 2026.

"The visit reinforces strong maritime partnerships and sustained engagement with Southeast Asian nations. - Ministry of Defence"

New Delhi, January 18

Indian Navy's First Training Squadron, comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, arrived at Changi Naval Base, Singapore on January 15. The squadron is on a training deployment to the South East Indian Ocean Region.

The deployment gains added significance as the year 2026 is being celebrated as the 'Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) - India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026', according to a release from the Ministry of Defence.

During the visit, personnel from the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) will engage in several harbour activities and professional interactions aimed at capability enhancement and augmenting maritime cooperation. A series of structured training exchanges, joint yoga sessions, and sports fixtures between trainees of both the Navies are also planned.

Cultural interactions will feature performances by the Indian Naval Band at prominent public locations in Singapore. The ships will be open for visits by school children during their stay, the release stated.

On arrival, Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, interacted with the trainees of 1TS. Senior Officer 1TS and Commanding Officers also called on the Commander of the Maritime Training and Doctrine Command (MTDC). Professional experiences were shared during a visit by a team of International Liaison Officers from the Information Fusion Centre.

Day 2 of the visit saw community engagements and interactions with the Republic of Singapore Navy. Visits to the Information Fusion Centre and RSN Museum, friendly sports fixtures, and an outreach activity at Sree Narayana Old Age and Nursing Home were some of the highlights, the release added.

The visit reinforces strong maritime partnerships and sustained engagement with Southeast Asian nations in furtherance of India's Act East Policy. It also enhances maritime security cooperation between the two Navies, underscoring India's leadership and commitment to the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), while signifying a vital step in strengthening maritime cooperative engagement in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Love that they're including cultural exchanges like the naval band performances and yoga sessions. It's not just about military drills, but building people-to-people connections. Well done!
V
Vikram M
The Act East Policy in action. Such deployments are essential to counterbalance other influences in the Indian Ocean Region. Our Navy's professionalism is a great asset.
R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but I hope the focus remains on substantive training and capability building, not just ceremonial visits. The real test is in operational readiness.
S
Sarah B
Visiting the old age home is a very thoughtful touch. Shows the human side of our armed forces. Proud to see India projecting soft power along with hard power.
K
Karthik V
The 2026 ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation year is something to look forward to. This is a smart long-term strategic move. Our Navy is doing a great job as a net security provider in the IOR.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50