KOCHI: Ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS)—comprising INS Tir, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarathi—arrived off Malé, Maldives, on October 21, 2026, as part of their ongoing Long-Range Training Deployment. The visiting deployment received a warm ceremonial welcome from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), highlighting the deep-rooted maritime partnership between the two neighboring Indian Ocean nations.
During the port call, the Senior Officer of 1TS held high-level discussions with the Chief of Defence Force, MNDF, and the Commandant of the MNDF Coast Guard, focusing on sustained bilateral engagement and expanding multifaceted maritime security cooperation. The Senior Officer also paid a courtesy call on the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, Shri G. Balasubramaniam.
As part of the professional training exchange, officer trainees from 1TS visited the MNDF Girifushi Training Centre. The visit agenda includes cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, joint social interactions, and community outreach activities designed to strengthen camaraderie and operational synergy.
This deployment reaffirms the enhanced interoperability between the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and MNDF, reinforcing the shared vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
