**Summary:**
The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS), consisting of INS Tir, INS Shardul, and ICGS Sarathi, successfully concluded a four-day visit to Port Victoria, Seychelles on September 4, 2025, as part of a Long Range Training Deployment. Led by Captain Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer 1TS, the visit included professional exchanges, training exercises, and social interactions with the Seychelles Defence Force (SDF). Key engagements involved meetings with Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, and Major General Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces, SDF, to reinforce the enduring partnership and military collaboration between the two nations. A deck reception was hosted for senior SDF leadership, members of the Indian diaspora, and diplomats. Joint activities included yoga sessions, a performance by the Indian Naval band, and a friendly football match between IN and SDF personnel. Community outreach involved providing supplies and medical checkups to an elderly home. Indian Naval trainees visited the Seychelles Coast Guard Base and Maritime Training Support Centre, while SDF personnel received training on small arms and firefighting onboard 1TS ships. Professional interactions also occurred with the Spanish Navy during the visit of ESPS Navarra. The deployment aimed to strengthen maritime cooperation and regional partnership, aligning with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). The visit was reported by PIB Delhi on September 5, 2025. Release ID: 2164167
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Defence: The government ministry responsible for defence.
First Training Squadron: A training squadron of the Indian Navy (1TS).
Seychelles: An island country in the Indian Ocean. Location of port visit.
INS Tir: Indian Naval Ship Tir, part of the First Training Squadron.
INS Shardul: Indian Naval Ship Shardul, part of the First Training Squadron.
ICGS Sarathi: Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, part of the First Training Squadron.
Indian Navy: The naval branch of the Indian Armed Forces (IN).
Seychelles Defence Force: The military organization responsible for the defence of Seychelles (SDF).
Ministry of Defence
FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON DEPARTS
SEYCHELLES
Posted On: 05 SEP 2025 2:27PM by PIB Delhi
The ships of First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul and ICGS Sarathi, departed
Port Victoria, Seychelles on 04 Sep 2025 marking completion of a successful visit, as part of ongoing Long
Range Training Deployment. During the four-day visit, bilateral activities between the Indian Navy (IN) and
Seychelles Defence Force (SDF) included multiple professional exchanges, training visits & social
interactions, bolstering ties between the two maritime nations.
During the port call, Capt Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer 1TS, along with Commanding Officers of INS
Shardul and ICGS Sarathi, called on Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and
Tourism and Major General Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), SDF. The discussions
highlighted the enduring partnership between Seychelles and India, emphasising the military collaboration
between Seychelles Defence Forces and Indian Armed Forces.
A deck reception was hosted onboard 1TS ships which was attended by senior leadership of SDF, members of
the Indian diaspora, diplomats and other distinguished guests. Maj Gen Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence
Forces, SDF, acknowledged the contribution of IN in strengthening regional maritime cooperation and
reaffirmed Seychelles' commitment to enhanced bilateral ties between the two nations.
During the port call, combined yoga sessions onboard 1TS witnessed enthusiastic participation by local
populace and the Indian diaspora. The Indian Naval band showcased their proficiency in a breathtaking
performance at Victoria Town Clock Tower, earning plaudits from Seychelles citizens. A friendly football
match was played between IN and SDF personnel, further boosting bonhomie and camaraderie amongst the
two forces. As part of the community outreach activity, essential supplies and medical health checkups were
provided to residents of an elderly home in Point Larue.
The visit was enriching for the Indian Naval trainees, who visited Seychelles Coast Guard Base and Maritime
Training & Support Centre. As part of cross training visit, SDF personnel were imparted training on handling
of small arms and firefighting onboard 1TS ships. Further, professional interactions were undertaken with
the Spanish Navy during the visit of ESPS Navarra at Seychelles.
The extant deployment consolidates strong bonds of friendship between the two nations and underscores
Indian Navy's commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation and regional partnership in line with the
vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).______________________________________________________________
VM/SPS 176/25
(Release ID: 2164167)