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First Training Squadron of Indian Navy Strengthens Maritime Bonds with Indonesia

In a bid to enhance maritime engagement and foster closer ties with Indonesia, a prominent member of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) concluded a successful three-day port visit to Belawan on 23 January 2026.
Sputnik
The visit is part of India’s larger maritime vision, encapsulated in the "MAHASAGAR" initiative, which focuses on strengthening cooperation with regional maritime nations.
During the port call, the crew and trainees aboard the ships INS Tir, Shardul, Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi of 1TS engaged in multiple activities with the Indonesian Navy. These activities included professional interactions, cultural exchanges, training visits, and friendly sports competitions, which helped build mutual understanding and reinforced the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Captain Tijo K. Joseph, Senior Officer of 1TS, along with the Commanding Officers of the 1TS ships, met with Rear Admiral Deny Septiana, Commander of Naval Area Command I (Komando Kodaeral I). The two sides exchanged valuable insights on shared maritime interests and discussed ways to enhance future cooperation.
In addition to these professional engagements, the Indian Naval trainees were given a tour of various facilities at Komando Daerah Angkatan Laut I (Naval Regional Command I), gaining valuable insights into the operational roles of the Indonesian Navy. The visit also saw the organization of friendly sports meets and joint yoga sessions, which promoted camaraderie and mutual respect between the personnel of both navies.
The ships of the First Training Squadron were open to the public, with an overwhelming response from local schoolchildren. The students were given guided tours of the ships, sparking enthusiasm and curiosity. The visit was both educational and inspiring, offering a memorable experience for the young visitors.
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