Convener News Desk
New Delhi, Jan 25: The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) has further strengthened maritime engagement with Indonesia through a three-day port call at Belawan, underlining growing naval cooperation between the two Indian Ocean neighbours and reaffirming India’s commitment to regional maritime security.
The squadron, comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi, departed Belawan on January 23 after an extensive programme of professional, cultural and training interactions with the Indonesian Navy. Indonesia is a key member of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), and the visit aligned with India’s broader maritime vision of MAHASAGAR and its Act East Policy.
During the port call, the crew and naval trainees of 1TS engaged closely with their Indonesian counterparts through a series of professional exchanges aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and operational familiarity. Capt Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron, along with the Commanding Officers of the participating ships, held discussions with Laksamana Muda (Rear Admiral) Deny Septiana, Commander of Naval Area Command I (Komando Kodaeral I). The interactions focused on shared maritime interests, regional security dynamics and avenues for future cooperation between the two navies.
A key highlight of the visit was an onboard reception jointly hosted by the Senior Officer, 1TS, and the Consulate General of India in Medan. The event was attended by senior officers of Komando Kodaeral I, with Kolonel Wirawan Aby P, Chief of Operations, serving as the Chief Guest. The reception provided a platform for informal dialogue and reinforced professional ties, reflecting the growing depth of India–Indonesia naval relations.
As part of the training and exposure programme, Indian naval trainees visited facilities of Komando Daerah Angkatan Laut I, gaining insights into the operational roles, responsibilities and maritime challenges faced by the Indonesian Navy in the region. These engagements were designed to broaden professional perspectives and foster interoperability among future naval leaders.
Beyond formal interactions, the visit placed emphasis on people-to-people and service-to-service bonds. Friendly sports fixtures, joint yoga sessions and cultural exchanges were organised between personnel of the two navies, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and goodwill. The ships were also opened to local schoolchildren, drawing an enthusiastic response. Guided tours of the vessels offered students a close look at naval life and operations, sparking curiosity and interest in maritime careers.
The deployment of the First Training Squadron to Indonesia reflects the longstanding maritime ties between the two countries and highlights the Indian Navy’s focus on training diplomacy as a tool of engagement. The visit not only enriched the training experience of young officers but also reinforced India’s strategic outreach into Southeast Asia.
By strengthening partnerships with friendly navies in the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Navy continues to play a constructive role in promoting a stable, secure and collaborative maritime environment, in line with India’s vision of inclusive growth and shared security in the Indian Ocean region. (PIB)
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