NE DEFENCE BUREAU
SINGAPORE, JAN 17
Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, arrived at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, on 15 January 2026, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime outreach to Southeast Asia. The squadron is on a training deployment to the South East Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
#IndianNavy’s First Training Squadron #1TS comprising #INSTir, #INSShardul, #INSSujata and #ICGSSarathi arrived at Changi Naval Base, #Singapore on #15Jan 26 as part of a training deployment to South East #IOR.
The visit underscores #maritimecooperation in line with the vision of… https://t.co/5EbQyimLj2 pic.twitter.com/a9UpwsN0jt— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 17, 2026
The visit assumes added importance as 2026 is being commemorated as the ‘Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) – India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026’, underscoring New Delhi’s deepening engagement with ASEAN partners in the maritime domain.
- Strategic Outreach: Deployment gains momentum amid ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026
- Fleet in Focus: INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi spear training mission in Southeast IOR
- People-to-People Ties: Professional exchanges, yoga, sports, cultural showcases and community outreach mark visit
- Regional Leadership: Visit reinforces Act East Policy and India’s leadership role in IONS
During the port call, personnel of the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) are scheduled to participate in a wide spectrum of harbour activities and professional interactions aimed at capability enhancement and strengthening maritime cooperation. Structured training exchanges, joint yoga sessions, and sports fixtures between trainees of both Navies are also planned to foster camaraderie and operational understanding.
#1TS at Singapore.
Dr Shilpak Ambule, @HCI_Singapore interacted with the trainees of #1TS.Senior Officer 1TS & COs called on Commander Maritime Training & Doctrine Command.
Professional experiences were shared during the visit of a team of ILOs from Information Fusion Centre.… https://t.co/Le38y0NJAG pic.twitter.com/DAxy24X5Mn— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 17, 2026
Cultural diplomacy forms a key highlight of the visit, with performances by the Indian Naval Band at prominent public locations in Singapore. The visiting ships will also be opened to school children, offering young visitors a close-up view of naval life and operations.
Upon arrival, Dr Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, interacted with the trainees of 1TS. The Senior Officer 1TS and the Commanding Officers called on the Commander, Maritime Training and Doctrine Command (MTDC). Professional insights were further exchanged during a visit by International Liaison Officers from the Information Fusion Centre.
Day Two featured extensive community engagement and interactions with the RSN, including visits to the Information Fusion Centre and the RSN Museum, friendly sports fixtures, and an outreach programme at the Sree Narayana Old Age and Nursing Home.
The visit reinforces robust maritime partnerships and sustained engagement with Southeast Asian nations in furtherance of India’s Act East Policy. It also enhances maritime security cooperation between the two Navies, highlighting India’s leadership and commitment to the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and advancing the cooperative maritime vision of MAHAS.
