1ST TRAINING SQUADRON DEPARTS SEYCHELLES

1^ST TRAINING SQUADRON DEPARTS SEYCHELLES

6-SEP-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

DELHI----------------------------Ships of the 1st Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul and ICGS Sarathi departed Port Victoria, Seychelles on 4 September 2025 on a successful tour of Long Range Training Deployment. During the four-day visit, bilateral activities between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Seychelles Defence Force (SDF) included several professional exchanges, training visits and social interactions, thereby strengthening the ties between the two maritime nations.

During the port visit, Captain Tijo K. Joseph, Senior Officer, 1st Training Squadron, along with Commanding Officers of INS Shardul and ICGS Sarathi, met the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Seychelles, Sylvestre Radegonde and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), SDF, Major General Michael Rosset. The enduring partnership between Seychelles and India was highlighted and military cooperation between the Seychelles Defence Forces and the Indian Armed Forces was emphasized.

A deck reception was held on board 1TS which was attended by the senior leadership of SDF, members of the overseas Indian community, diplomats and other distinguished guests. Major General Michael Rosset, Chief of Defence Forces, SDF, appreciated the contribution of the Indian Navy in strengthening regional maritime cooperation and reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

During the port stay, joint yoga sessions conducted on board 1TS were enthusiastically attended by the locals and the NRIs. The Indian Navy Band showcased its prowess in a wonderful performance at the Victoria Town Clock Tower which was appreciated by the Seychelles citizens. A friendly football match was played between the Indian Navy and SDF personnel, enhancing coordination and camaraderie between the two forces. As a part of the community outreach activity, essential supplies and medical health check-ups were provided to the residents of an old age home at Point Larue.

The visit was informative for the Indian Navy trainees who visited the Seychelles Coast Guard Base and the Maritime Training and Support Centre. As part of this cross-training visit, SDF personnel were imparted training on small arms operations and firefighting on board 1TS ships. In addition, professional interactions were also held with the Spanish Navy during the visit to ESPS Navarra in Seychelles.

This current deployment further cements the friendly relations between the two countries and underlines Indian Navy's commitment to strengthen maritime cooperation and regional partnerships in line with the vision of OCEAN (Reciprocal and Inclusive Advancement for Security and Growth in the Region).