Three Indian navy training ships in Seychelles |29 March 2023
1st Training Squadron of Indian Navy (INS Tir, INS Sujata & ICGS Sarathi)
Three ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron are expected in Port Victoria today for a three-day port call as part of overseas deployment to the Indian Ocean region, the Indian high commission announced yesterday.
The vessels are Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tir, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarathi.
According to a press release from the Indian high commission the aim of their visit to Port Victoria is to provide a wider exposure to the 145 officer trainees who are undergoing basic training onboard the three ships. The trainees include 138 Indian trainee officers and 7 foreign trainee officers including one officer from Seychelles.
During their stay, the officer trainees will interact with Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) personnel, students and staff of the Military Training and Support Centre (MTSC) of SDF and the Regional Coordination Operation Centre (RCOC).
In addition, Indian Navy would be handing over critical machinery, spares and defence gear as part of capacity building to the Seychelles Coast Guard.
As part of community outreach, the naval band will perform in Victoria and the ships will also be open to visitors today and tomorrow.
The press release adds that given the importance of maritime security in the region, prior to arriving at Victoria, the ships undertook joint EEZ surveillance with the Seychelles Coast Guard.
The First Training Squadron, based at Kochi, is an integral part of the Southern Naval Command. It is responsible for training of officers and sailors of the Indian Navy and friendly foreign navies from their basic courses to their specialisation at various stages of their career. The Squadron is tasked with providing basic training to officer trainees and enabling them to earn their ‘Sea Legs’.
At the helm is the Senior Officer of the 1st Training Squadron, Captain Sarvpreet Singh who is also Commanding Officer of INS Tir. He is assisted by a team of officers and sailors who provide directions, experience and focus to the training curriculum of the officer cadets onboard.
“Defence engagement and capacity building is an integral part of the warm and cordial India-Seychelles ties and this visit of the Indian Navy First Training Squadron will further consolidate this relationship,” concludes the press release.
Press release from the Indian high commission