Indian Navy training squadron calls at Indonesia’s Belawan Port, strengthens maritime ties
New Delhi. Ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul and INS Sujata, along with Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, arrived at Belawan port in Indonesia on January 20, 2026, as part of an ongoing training deployment to Southeast Asia.
The squadron received a warm ceremonial welcome from the Indonesian Navy, highlighted by a traditional dance performance, reflecting the close and friendly relations between the two maritime forces.
During the port call, personnel from the Indian and Indonesian navies are set to participate in a range of professional engagements and social interactions, including cross-deck visits and joint training activities. These interactions are aimed at enhancing interoperability and further strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation.
The visit also features a cultural exchange programme, with activities such as joint yoga sessions, school visits, friendly sports events and community outreach initiatives planned to foster people-to-people ties.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the deployment of the First Training Squadron to Indonesia underscores India’s sustained engagement with Southeast Asian countries under its Act East Policy. The visit also reinforces India’s MAHASAGAR vision – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions – through regular naval interactions and training exchanges with member nations of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).
