First Training Squadron Departs Seychelles After Port Call

Three ships of the Indian Navy First Training Squadron (1TS) sailed out of Port Victoria, Seychelles, after finishing a port call made during an ongoing training deployment. The squadron on this leg was made up of INS Tir, INS Sujata and the Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi.

The dates

The ships reached Port Victoria on 12 October 2026 and left on 15 October 2026. The Ministry of Defence described the visit as a step that deepens a long-standing relationship between the two maritime neighbours through training, capacity building and contact with the island nation leadership and its seafaring community.

Who the officers met

The Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron and the Commanding Officers of the visiting ships called on Major General Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces of the Seychelles Defence Force (SDF). Their talks covered the enduring partnership and the bilateral cooperation between the two forces.

Training and the exercise at sea

Professional activities and cross-training visits were held through the stay. Personnel of the Seychelles Defence Force were trained in firefighting and in the handling of small arms. At sea the Indian ships carried out a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Seychelles Coast Guard Ship Andromache. Joint patrolling, communication drills and coordinated manoeuvres were part of that exercise.

Community outreach

• A medical camp was organised for local residents.
• Essential supplies were handed over at the elderly home at Point La Rue.
• Schoolchildren were taken on board the visiting ships.
• The Indian Navy Band gave a musical performance.

The vision behind the deployment

The Ministry of Defence placed the visit within MAHASAGAR, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. Under it the Indian Navy works on capacity building and regional partnerships with friendly countries of the Indian Ocean. For an aspirant, the port call is a reminder that a training squadron does more than train cadets: it carries out diplomacy, joint drills and relief work on the same voyage.