Indian Navy’s 1st Training Squadron Departs Colombo, Sri Lanka

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) departed Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 29 October, 2026. The visit marked the successful completion of its port call and strengthened maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

The squadron included three ships: INS Tir, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi. During the visit, Indian and Sri Lankan naval personnel took part in several professional and community activities. These engagements promoted defence cooperation, professional learning and friendship between the two countries.

The visit also highlighted their shared commitment to regional maritime security and cooperation under India's MAHASAGAR vision.

Key Highlights of the First Training Squadron Visit

• Departure date: 29 October 2026
• Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Participating ships: INS Tir, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi
• Main activities: Naval meetings, trainee interactions, ship visits and community outreach
• Joint exercise: Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Nandimithra
• Main objective: Strengthen India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation

Senior Naval Officers Hold Bilateral Meeting

During the port call, the Senior Officer of 1TS met the Commander of the Western Naval Area of the Sri Lanka Navy.

The Commanding Officers of the three Indian ships also joined the meeting. The interaction strengthened the close relationship between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to improving maritime cooperation. Such meetings also help naval forces build trust and maintain regular communication.

Indian and Sri Lankan Naval Trainees Exchange Experiences

Professional training formed an important part of the visit.

Sea trainees from the First Training Squadron visited the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Trincomalee. They interacted with Sri Lankan naval trainees and exchanged professional experiences.

The Sri Lanka Navy also organised a reciprocal visit. Cadets from the Naval and Maritime Academy visited the Indian ships.

During this visit, the Sri Lankan cadets explored the training facilities and activities of 1TS. They also learned about the squadron's training environment.

These interactions helped trainees understand each other's naval practices. They also encouraged professional friendship and cooperation among young naval personnel.

Indian Navy Conducts Community Outreach Activities

The First Training Squadron also participated in community outreach programmes during its stay in Colombo.

Indian Navy personnel took part in a beach clean-up activity. The activity promoted environmental awareness and encouraged people to protect coastal areas.

The ships also welcomed visitors from the local community and the Indian diaspora. Visitors interacted with naval personnel and learned about the Indian Navy's training and operational activities.

These activities strengthened people-to-people connections between India and Sri Lanka. They also presented an opportunity to showcase the Indian Navy's role and capabilities.

India and Sri Lanka Conduct PASSEX

The ships of the First Training Squadron conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Sri Lankan Navy's ship, SLNS Nandimithra, while departing Colombo.

The exercise involved coordinated maritime manoeuvres. It helped both navies improve operational coordination and interoperability.

PASSEX provides naval forces with an opportunity to practise working together at sea. Such exercises strengthen communication and coordination between participating ships.

The exercise also reflected the shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka to maritime cooperation in the region.

MAHASAGAR Vision and India-Sri Lanka Maritime Partnership

The visit reinforced the long-standing maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka.

Both countries share important maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region. Regular naval engagements help them improve mutual understanding, strengthen maritime capabilities and promote regional stability.

The visit also aligned with India's MAHASAGAR vision.

MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. It reflects India's approach to cooperation, security and sustainable development across maritime regions.

Through naval training, professional exchanges and joint exercises, India and Sri Lanka continue to strengthen their maritime relationship.