INDIAN NAVY’S FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON DEPARTS SINGAPORE

The First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy departed Singapore on 18 Jan 2026, marking the successful completion of a three-day port call as part of the ongoing Training Deployment. During the port call, a wide array of bilateral engagements was undertaken, encompassing professional exchanges, training interactions, sporting fixtures, cultural outreach, and social engagements.

As part of professional interactions, Capt Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer 1TS, accompanied by Commanding Officers of INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi, paid a courtesy call to Col Tay Choong Hern, Acting Commander, Maritime Training and Doctrine Command (MTDC). The discussions highlighted the six-decade-long partnership between India and Singapore, with emphasis on sustained military cooperation and shared maritime security interests. In a solemn tribute, a wreath-laying ceremony was conducted at the Kranji War Memorial, where the Commanding Officers of 1TS ships paid homage to the fallen heroes.

A deck reception was co-hosted by HE Dr Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, and the Senior Officer 1TS onboard INS Tir and ICGS Sarathi. The event witnessed the presence of senior leadership from the Republic of Singapore Navy, heads of missions, members of the Indian diaspora, diplomats, and other distinguished guests. In his address, the Chief Guest Col Tay Choong Hern acknowledged the strong partnership between the Indian Navy and RSN, nurtured through regular bilateral exercises and interactions, and reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to further enhancing defence ties.

Cultural outreach formed an integral component of the visit, with the Indian Navy Band delivering captivating performances at Our Tampines Mall and the GIIS Auditorium. As part of sporting fixtures, a friendly dodgeball match was conducted between Indian Navy and the RSN trainees.

Professional training exchanges included Damage Control (DC) training for 1TS sea trainees at the DC simulator and visit to RSN Museum, where they were provided a comprehensive insight into the history and evolution of the Royal Singapore Navy. The ships were open to visitors, including International Liaison Officers (ILOs) of International Fusion Centre (IFC) Singapore, High Commission of India staff, guests, and families, offering them an overview of the role of the First Training Squadron in shaping future naval leadership.

The squadron also undertook philanthropic activities, with a delegation spending an afternoon interacting with residents of the Sree Narayan Old Age Home and Nursery, reflecting the Indian Navy's commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

The deployment of the First Training Squadron to Singapore exemplifies the deep-rooted ties between the two nations and aligns with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). The visit further reinforces India's Act East Policy, expands its maritime outreach beyond South Asia into the broader Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian region, and reaffirms the Indian Navy's enduring commitment to fostering friendship, enhancing training experiences, and contributing to a secure and cooperative maritime environment.

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VM/SPS 11/26