KOCHI: Ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS)—comprising INS Tir, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarathi—arrived at the port of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on October 26, 2026. The visiting ships were accorded a ceremonial welcome by the Sri Lanka Navy, accompanied by a naval band, to mark the beginning of their official port call.
Upon arrival, the Director General of Naval Training and the Commander, Eastern Naval Area of the Sri Lanka Navy, visited the vessels to interact with the sea trainees onboard. The interaction offered an engaging platform to share perspectives on professional naval training standards and operational procedures.
During the multi-day visit, personnel and trainees from both navies will participate in a wide array of professional interactions, cross-training visits, and a joint Passage Exercise (PASSEX). These activities aim to facilitate knowledge exchange, enhance operational interoperability, and reinforce bilateral naval coordination.
The port call will also feature community outreach programs and public ship visits, offering the local populace an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Indian Navy’s training frameworks and operational capabilities.
The deployment reinforces the enduring maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka, fully aligning with India’s strategic vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) to foster regional maritime security, stability, and mutual prosperity.
