Ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) — INS Tir, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi — arrived off Malé, Maldives, on October 21 as part of the Squadron’s Long Range Training Deployment.
The ships received a warm welcome from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), reflecting the strong maritime partnership and close regional ties between the two countries.
During the port call, the Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron called on the Chief of Defence Force, MNDF, and the Commandant of the MNDF Coast Guard. Discussions focused on sustained engagement and multifaceted maritime cooperation between the Indian Navy and the MNDF. The Senior Officer also called on India’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, G Balasubramaniam. As part of the training exchanges, trainees of the First Training Squadron visited the Girifushi Training Centre, according to a Ministry of Defence press release.
Cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, social interactions, and outreach activities are also planned during the visit to foster camaraderie and mutual understanding between the two forces.
The visit reaffirms the commitment of India and the Maldives to enhancing interoperability and strengthening maritime cooperation, in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
