First Training Squadron arrives at Port Victoria, Seychelles
The visit is part of long-range training deployment in the SW IOR
New Delhi, September 2. Building ‘Bridges of Friendship’, whilst training young minds, the ships of the First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, and CGS Sarathi, arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles on September 1, 2025. 1TS is presently on long-range training deployment in the South West Indian Ocean Region.
The arrival at port was marked with a ceremonial welcome by the Seychelles Defence Force (SDF) band, emphasising strong maritime ties between the two nations. The Indian Navy’s ceremonial Guard and Band were paraded onboard 1TS with equal solidarity.
During the visit, Senior Officer 1TS Capt Tijo K Joseph is scheduled to call on important dignitaries in the Ministry of Seychelles Govt, senior officers of SDF and Indian High Commission. During the port call, professional exchanges, cross deck visits, and training interactions with SDF personnel are planned. As part of cultural exchanges and community engagement, yoga sessions, Naval Band performance, sports fixtures, and social outreach programs are scheduled.
The deployment of 1TS to Seychelles is the third port call of Indian Navy ships to Seychelles in 2025. This highlights the Indian Navy’s robust bilateral engagement and maritime partnership aligned with the broader vision of MAHASAGAR in IOR.
