The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) has embarked on a Long Range Training Deployment (LRTD) to Southeast Asia as part of the curriculum for the 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course (IOTC), as announced by the Ministry of Defence. This initiative includes the naval vessels INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi, aimed at enriching the training experiences of officer trainees.
During this deployment, the squadron will make port calls at strategic locations including Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. These visits are intended to provide officer trainees with a comprehensive blend of operational and professional experiences, as well as cross-cultural exposure. The mission underscores India’s ongoing maritime engagement with Southeast Asian nations, in alignment with the Act East Policy and the broader vision for a secure, open, and inclusive Indian Ocean Region.
A series of professional interactions with host navies and maritime agencies is slated for the duration of the deployment. Planned activities encompass structured training exchanges, cross-deck visits, and engagements with subject-matter experts. Joint Maritime Partnership exercises further focus on enhancing interoperability, solidifying mutual trust, and promoting the exchange of best practices at sea.
The 110th IOTC features participation from six international officer trainees representing friendly foreign nations, highlighting the Indian Navy’s dedication to capacity building and professional military education. Additionally, personnel from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force are also part of the deployment, enhancing tri-service cooperation and integration.
This Long Range Training Deployment is not only a testament to the Indian Navy’s commitment to training and excellence but also serves as a pivotal component of maritime diplomacy. By melding rigorous training with multi-national collaboration, the deployment fosters deeper maritime partnerships and contributes to the stability and security of Southeast Asia and the broader Indian Ocean Region.
