Indian Navy training squadron concludes Indonesia port call, deepens maritime cooperation
New Delhi, January 25. The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) concluded a three-day port call at Belawan in Indonesia on January 23, marking another step in strengthening maritime engagement between the two countries and advancing India’s MAHASAGAR vision for regional cooperation.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on January 25, the visit, involving INS Tir, Shardul and Sujata, along with Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, saw extensive interactions between the Indian Navy’s crew and trainees and their counterparts in the Indonesian Navy. Activities during the port call included professional exchanges, training visits, cultural programmes and friendly sports events, aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and reinforcing bilateral naval ties.
Captain Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron, accompanied by the commanding officers of the visiting ships, held discussions with Rear Admiral Deny Septiana, Commander of Indonesia’s Naval Area Command I (Komando Kodaeral I). The interactions focused on shared maritime interests and cooperation between the two navies in the Indian Ocean region.
An onboard reception jointly hosted by the Senior Officer of 1TS and the Consulate General of India in Medan was attended by senior officials from Indonesia’s Naval Area Command I. The event, with Chief of Operations Colonel Wirawan Aby P as the chief guest, provided a platform for informal dialogue and helped strengthen professional relationships and goodwill.
As part of the professional programme, Indian naval trainees were given exposure visits to facilities at the Naval Regional Command I, offering insights into the operational roles and responsibilities of the Indonesian Navy in the region. Joint yoga sessions, friendly sports matches and games were also organised, fostering camaraderie between personnel from both navies.
The visiting ships were opened to school children, drawing an enthusiastic response. Guided tours of the vessels generated keen interest among students, making the experience both educational and memorable.
The deployment of the First Training Squadron to Indonesia reflects the long-standing maritime ties between the two nations and supports India’s Act East Policy by expanding naval presence and cooperation across Southeast Asia and the wider Indian Ocean. The visit underscored the Indian Navy’s commitment to building enduring partnerships, enhancing training exposure and contributing to a stable, secure and collaborative maritime environment.
