India Strengthens Maritime Ties with Singapore During Long Range Training Deployment to Southeast Asia

In a strong reaffirmation of India’s Act East Policy and commitment to maritime diplomacy, the First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy concluded a successful three-day port call in Singapore from Jan 15 to 18 as part of its Long Range Training Deployment (LRTD) to Southeast Asia.

The deployment is part of the training curriculum for the 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course (IOTC) and serves to reinforce India’s deepening maritime engagement in the region, according to a press release from the High Commission of India.

Comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, the squadron docked at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base before continuing its regional tour to Indonesia and Thailand.

This deployment is especially significant in the context of the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation – 2026, and marks a step forward in India’s vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

During their Singapore stay, 1TS personnel engaged in a wide range of professional and social interactions with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), including joint training sessions, sports fixtures, and cultural exchanges.

These interactions reflect the continued commitment of both nations to fostering mutual trust, interoperability, and shared best practices in naval operations.

Capt Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer of 1TS, along with the commanding officers of the squadron’s vessels, paid a courtesy call to Col Tay Choong Hern, Acting Commander of the Maritime Training and Doctrine Command. Discussions centred on six decades of robust India-Singapore naval collaboration, operational synergy, and training exchange.

Highlighting the strong defence partnership, Col Tay also attended a deck reception co-hosted by India’s High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule, aboard INS Tir and ICGS Sarathi. The event was attended by senior RSN officials, diplomats, Indian diaspora members, and other dignitaries.

The First Training Squadron plays a pivotal role in shaping future naval leadership, training officer cadets from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and friendly foreign nations such as the Maldives, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The LRTD provides comprehensive sea training in seamanship, navigation, damage control, and maritime cooperation.

Indian Navy’s First Training Squad ships hosted students and community members during their recent visit to Singapore.

Photo: High Commission of India

The Singapore port call featured cross-cultural engagements, including musical performances by the Indian Navy Band at Our Tampines Hub and Global Indian International School. A friendly dodgeball match and structured professional exchanges, such as damage control training using RSN simulators, further enriched the visit.

Community engagement was also central to the deployment. Naval personnel visited the Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home, spending an afternoon with elderly residents and serving them lunch – a heartfelt gesture symbolising goodwill and shared values.

The 1TS visit underlines India’s long-standing naval partnership with Singapore. Exercises like SIMBEX, SITMEX, and participation in multilateral efforts like Pacific Reach and the Indian Naval Ocean Symposium showcase the depth of cooperation.

Naval personnel visited the Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home, spending an afternoon with elderly residents and serving them lunch.

Photo: High Commission of India

With the successful completion of this port call, the Indian Navy continues to carry forward the spirit of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), promoting maritime stability, professional excellence, and regional unity through diplomacy at sea.