Indian Navy’s first training squadron departs Belawan, reinforces maritime ties with Indonesia

Boosting maritime engagement with Indonesia, a key member of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), and advancing the vision of MAHASAGAR, the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) departed Belawan on Friday, (January 23, 2026), after a successful three-day port call.

According to the Defence Ministry, during the visit, the crew and trainees of INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi engaged extensively with the Indonesian Navy, strengthening professional cooperation and people-to-people ties. The engagements encompassed professional interactions, training visits, cultural exchanges, and friendly sports meets, fostering mutual understanding and camaraderie between the two maritime forces.

Capt. Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer, 1TS, accompanied by the Commanding Officers of the squadron ships, called on Laksamana Muda (Rear Admiral) Deny Septiana, Commander, Naval Area Command I (Komando Daerah Angkatan Laut I). The interaction focused on shared maritime interests and avenues for enhanced naval cooperation between India and Indonesia.

Meaningful exchanges

An onboard reception, co-hosted by the Senior Officer, 1TS, and the Consulate General of India, Medan, was attended by senior dignitaries of Kodaeral I. Kolonel Wirawan Aby P, Chief of Operations, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The reception provided a platform for meaningful exchanges, further strengthening professional ties and goodwill between the two navies.

Professional engagements included visits by Indian naval trainees to facilities of Naval Regional Command I, offering them insights into the operational roles and responsibilities of the Command. In addition, friendly sports events, joint yoga sessions, and cultural interactions were organised, enhancing mutual goodwill and camaraderie, the Defence Ministry added.

The ships were also opened to schoolchildren, drawing an overwhelming response. Guided tours of the vessels generated enthusiasm and curiosity among students, making the visit an inspiring and memorable experience.

The 1TS deployment to Indonesia reflects the longstanding maritime partnership between the two nations and underscores India’s Act East Policy by expanding maritime presence and cooperation in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian region. The visit reaffirms the Indian Navy’s commitment to strengthening friendships, enriching training experiences, and promoting a stable, secure, and collaborative maritime environment.