Indian naval ship TIR expected in Seychelles to participate in ex-Cutlass 24 |24 February 2024

INS Tir will be in Port Victoria (Photo: Contributed)

Indian naval ship Tir will be visiting Port Victoria from February 24 to 29, 2024 and between March 7 and 8, the present year.

According to a communiqué from the Indian high commission, the aim is to enhance maritime security and keep sea lanes in the region safe for maritime commerce.

Indian naval ship (INS) Tir is taking part in the multi-national maritime exercise ‘Ex Cutlass Express-24 (CE 24)’ being held in Seychelles from February 24 to March 6, 2024.

“The ship’s visit also aims to provide a wider exposure to 68 trainee officers – 64 Indians and four foreigners – who are undergoing basic training on board the ship. As part of their stay, the trainees will interact with the Seychelles Defence Forces and also undertake cross training with navies of friendly foreign nations,” stated the communiqué.

During the port call, the commanding officer of INS Tir will call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde and Chief of Defence Forces, Brigadier Michael Rosette.

Ship officers and crew will also take part in various activities including yoga, friendly football match, philanthropy activities encompassing visit to elderly homes and the Indian navy band will perform at the National Museum, among others.

The press release said in addition, the Indian navy would be handing over repaired Dornier engines and Dornier life rafts to the Seychelles Air Force, machinery and equipment spares as a part of capacity building to the Seychelles Coast Guard.

Contributing to community outreach, the ship will be open to visitors on February 25, 2024 and the naval band will perform in Victoria on February 27, 2024.

INS Tir is part of first training squadron and is based at Kochi under the Southern Naval Command of the Indian navy.

It is responsible for training of officers from the Indian navy and friendly foreign navies from their basic courses to their specialisation at various stages of their career.

At the helm is the commanding officer, Captain Anshul Kishore, who is helpedby a team of officers and sailors who provide directions, experience and focus to the training curriculum of the officer cadets on board.

“Defence engagement and capacity building is an integral part of the warm and cordial India-Seychelles ties and this visit of the Indian navy’s first training squadron ship will further consolidate this relationship, while augmenting the mutual goal of maritime safety and security,” concluded the communiqué.

Contributed