Indian Navy Training Squadron Deepens Maritime Ties With Indonesia

India and Indonesia reinforced their maritime partnership as the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron concluded a successful port call at Belawan, underscoring growing naval cooperation in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. The visit aligned with India’s Act East Policy and the broader vision of MAHASAGAR, aimed at strengthening regional maritime security and engagement.

First Training Squadron Visit To Belawan

The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi, departed Belawan on January 23 after a three-day port call. During the visit, Indian naval personnel and trainees interacted extensively with the Indonesian Navy, enhancing professional understanding and operational familiarity.

High-Level Naval Interactions

Capt. Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer of 1TS, along with commanding officers of the squadron ships, called on Rear Admiral Deny Septiana, Commander of Naval Area Command I (Koarmada I). Discussions focused on shared maritime interests, regional security challenges, and opportunities for deeper naval cooperation between the two countries.

Professional, Cultural, And Training Engagements

An onboard reception co-hosted by the Indian Navy and the Consulate General of India, Medan brought together senior Indonesian naval dignitaries. Professional engagements included visits by Indian trainees to facilities of Indonesia’s Naval Regional Command I, while joint sports events, yoga sessions, and cultural exchanges fostered camaraderie. The ships were also opened to local schoolchildren, generating strong public interest and people-to-people connections.

Important Facts for Exams

• India and Indonesia are members of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).
• MAHASAGAR focuses on maritime security and regional cooperation.
• Koarmada I is Indonesia’s Naval Area Command for western maritime regions.
• India’s Act East Policy emphasises engagement with Southeast Asia.

Strategic Significance For Indo-Pacific

The 1TS deployment highlights the strategic importance India attaches to maritime engagement with Indonesia, a key Indo-Pacific partner. The visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to building trust, enhancing interoperability, and promoting a stable, secure, and cooperative maritime environment across the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian region.