The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) arrived at Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand, marking an important milestone in India–Thailand maritime engagement and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
The squadron, comprising frontline naval ships INS Tir, INS Sujata, and INS Shardul, along with embarked officer cadets, is on an overseas training deployment aimed at enhancing operational exposure, maritime awareness, and diplomatic outreach. The visit forms part of the Indian Navy’s regular long-range training programme for cadets of the Indian Naval Academy.
During the port call, the ships were accorded a warm welcome by officials of the Royal Thai Navy, representatives of the Indian Embassy, and local authorities. The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral defence ties and deepen cooperation between the two friendly maritime nations.
As part of the engagement, a range of professional interactions, training exchanges, and cultural programmes have been planned. These include courtesy calls by senior officers, joint training activities, sports events, and community outreach programmes, aimed at fostering mutual understanding and goodwill. Officer cadets will also gain first-hand exposure to international maritime practices and operational environments.
The deployment highlights the Indian Navy’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and reflects India’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and cooperative maritime security. The visit aligns with India’s Act East Policy and underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and Thailand.
The First Training Squadron plays a crucial role in shaping future naval leaders by providing them with practical sea-going experience, navigation training, and exposure to multinational maritime interactions. Overseas port calls such as this are designed to build professional competence, leadership skills, and diplomatic awareness among cadets.
Following the completion of scheduled engagements in Phuket, the squadron will continue its training deployment to other ports in the region before returning to India.