The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS) has recently concluded a deployment to Indonesia, strengthening maritime bonds between the two nations. This deployment is part of a broader Long Range Training Deployment to Southeast Asia, highlighting India's commitment to its 'Act East Policy' and the vision of MAHASAGAR (mutual and holistic advancement for security and growth across regions). The squadron's visit to Indonesia, a member of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), underscores the importance of maritime cooperation in the region.

The 1TS, comprised of Indian Naval Ships INS Tir, INS Shardul, and INS Sujata, along with the Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, made a three-day port call to Belawan, Indonesia. Upon arrival on January 20, the squadron received a ceremonial welcome by the Indonesian Navy. The ships departed Belawan on January 23, 2026.

During the port call, the crew and trainees of the 1TS engaged with the Indonesian Navy on multiple fronts. These engagements included professional interactions, cultural exchanges, training visits, and friendly sports meets. These activities fostered mutual understanding and strengthened the bonds of friendship between the two navies.

Captain Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer, 1TS, along with the Commanding Officers of the ships, met with Laksamana Muda (RAdm) Deny Septiana, Commander, Naval Area Command I (Komando Kodaeral I). They exchanged views on shared maritime interests between the Indian and Indonesian Navies.

An onboard reception, co-hosted by Captain Joseph and the Consulate General of India, Medan, was attended by senior dignitaries of Kodaeral I, with Kolonel Wirawan Aby P, Chief of Operations, as the Chief Guest. The reception facilitated meaningful interactions, further strengthening professional ties and goodwill between the two navies.

The Indian Naval trainees were given the opportunity to visit various facilities at Komando Daerah Angkatan Laut I (Naval Regional Command I), providing them with insights into the Command's roles and functions in the region. Friendly sports, games, and joint yoga sessions were organized with personnel from the Indonesian Navy, fostering camaraderie and mutual goodwill. The ships were also opened to visits from school children, which sparked excitement and curiosity, making the visit a memorable experience.

This deployment of the 1TS to Indonesia reflects the long-standing maritime ties between the two nations. It also provides comprehensive operational and cross-cultural exposure to the officer trainees of the 110th Integrated Officers' Training Course (IOTC). The deployment reinforces India's maritime engagement with Southeast Asian nations and contributes to a free, open, and inclusive Indian Ocean Region. This initiative also aligns with the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation – 2026, marking a step forward in India's vision for the Indo-Pacific.