Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Arrives in Maldives, Strengthening Maritime Defence Cooperation

The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, arrived off Malé, Maldives, on October 21, 2026, as part of its ongoing Long Range Training Deployment. The visit reinforces India’s maritime defence cooperation with the Maldives and highlights the continuing engagement between the naval and coast guard forces of both countries.

The squadron received a warm welcome from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), reflecting the close maritime partnership between India and the Maldives. The deployment combines professional training with defence diplomacy, providing opportunities for naval personnel to strengthen operational understanding and develop closer institutional relationships.

Indian Navy and Maldives National Defence Force Strengthen Maritime Engagement

During the visit, the Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron called on the Chief of Defence Force of the Maldives National Defence Force and the Commandant of the MNDF Coast Guard. Discussions focused on maintaining regular engagement and expanding cooperation across maritime security and related operational activities.

The interactions provided an opportunity to review the longstanding relationship between the Indian Navy and the Maldivian defence establishment. Both countries share an interest in maintaining maritime security, strengthening professional exchanges and improving coordination across the Indian Ocean region.

The Senior Officer also met India’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, G. Balasubramaniam, underscoring the diplomatic importance of the training squadron’s visit.

Naval Trainees Visit Girifushi Training Centre

Professional training forms an important component of the First Training Squadron’s overseas deployment. As part of the visit, trainees from the Indian squadron visited the Girifushi Training Centre, a facility associated with the Maldives National Defence Force.

The interaction provided Indian naval trainees with exposure to the training environment and professional practices of their Maldivian counterparts. Such exchanges help develop familiarity between personnel while broadening their understanding of regional maritime security institutions.

The programme also includes planned cross-deck visits, sporting events, social interactions and outreach activities. These engagements are intended to promote professional camaraderie, encourage knowledge sharing and strengthen personal relationships between the two maritime forces.

Long Range Training Deployment Supports Naval Cooperation

The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron undertakes training deployments to provide practical seamanship experience and professional exposure to naval trainees. Overseas visits form an important part of this training process, allowing personnel to gain experience in maritime operations while interacting with foreign naval establishments.

The participation of INS Tir, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi also brings together the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard within a common training deployment.

Beyond developing professional skills, such deployments contribute to maritime diplomacy by maintaining regular contact with friendly countries and supporting cooperation between regional security institutions.

For the Maldives, situated along important Indian Ocean maritime routes, engagement with Indian naval and coast guard personnel forms part of the broader bilateral relationship in maritime security and capacity development.

Visit Reinforces India’s MAHASAGAR Vision

The deployment aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The initiative emphasises cooperative approaches to maritime security, regional development and engagement with partner countries.

India and the Maldives maintain close geographical and maritime connections, making regular naval interaction an important element of their bilateral defence relationship.

Through professional exchanges, training visits and institutional engagement, both countries continue to strengthen mutual understanding and operational familiarity between their maritime forces.

The First Training Squadron’s visit to Malé reinforces this partnership while supporting the professional development of India’s future naval personnel. It also demonstrates India’s continuing commitment to maritime cooperation, regional stability and constructive engagement with its Indian Ocean neighbours.

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References

1. Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. First Training Squadron Arrives in Maldives. October 22, 2026.
2. Indian Navy — First Training Squadron, Long Range Training Deployment, October 2026.

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