Ships of the First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy, comprising INS Tir, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi, departed Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 29 Oct 2026, marking the conclusion of a successful port call. The visit featured bilateral engagements between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), reinforcing defence cooperation and the maritime partnership between the two nations.
During the port call, the Senior Officer, 1TS, accompanied by the Commanding Officers of the ships, called on the Commander, Western Naval Area, Sri Lanka Navy. The interaction reaffirmed the close bilateral ties and the shared commitment of both navies to enhancing maritime cooperation.
As part of the professional engagements, sea trainees of 1TS visited the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Trincomalee, and interacted with their Sri Lankan counterparts. In a reciprocal engagement, SLN cadets from NMA visited the 1TS ships and gained insights into the squadron’s training facilities and activities. These interactions provided opportunities for the exchange of experiences and fostered professional camaraderie among the trainees of both navies.
As part of its community outreach initiatives, Indian Navy personnel participated in a beach clean-up activity, promoting environmental sustainability. The ships were also opened to visitors, including members of the local community and the Indian diaspora, providing an opportunity to interact with the crew and gain an insight into the Indian Navy’s training and operational activities.
On departure from Colombo, the ships of 1TS undertook a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Nandimithra. The exercise facilitated coordinated maritime manoeuvres and enhanced operational coordination and interoperability between the two maritime forces.
The visit underscored the enduring maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka and reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional maritime cooperation and capacity building, in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
