**Summary:**
On September 11, 2025, the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, ICGS Sarathi, and INS Shardul, concluded port visits to La Runion and Port Louis, Mauritius, respectively. These deployments aimed to strengthen maritime cooperation and regional security within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), aligning with the MAHASAGAR vision.
In La Runion, engagements between the Indian Navy and the French Navy centered on professional exchanges and training. INS Tir and ICGS Sarathi participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the French frigate FS Le Malin, encompassing coordinated maneuvers, communication drills, and navigation exercises. Joint diving operations, cross-training visits, and shipboard familiarization were also conducted. Trainees from 1TS visited the CROSS Centre Rgional Oprationnel de Surveillance et de Sauvetage and a naval workshop.
In Port Louis, INS Shardul engaged in joint professional exchanges with the Mauritius National Coast Guard, including diving operations, firefighting and damage control drills, shipboard familiarization, and cross-deck visits. A joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance operation, a PASSEX, and cross-boarding exercises were undertaken with MCGS Valiant. The ship also hosted visits by school children, members of the Indian diaspora, and Mauritian citizens.
The simultaneous port calls underscored the Indian Navy's commitment to enduring partnerships with regional navies.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Navy: The naval branch of the Indian Armed Forces, responsible for maritime security.
First Training Squadron (1TS): A unit of the Indian Navy responsible for training naval personnel.
INS Tir: An Indian Navy training ship, part of the First Training Squadron.
ICGS Sarathi: An Indian Coast Guard Ship, part of the First Training Squadron.
INS Shardul: An Indian Navy amphibious warfare vessel, part of the First Training Squadron.
La Runion: A French overseas territory, an island in the Indian Ocean. Place of naval exercises with the French Navy
Port Louis, Mauritius: The capital city of Mauritius, where INS Shardul conducted joint exercises with the Mauritius National Coast Guard.
MAHASAGAR: Vision guiding the Indian Navy's commitment to enhanced maritime partnership through joint training and capacity building.
Ministry of Defence
FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON OF THE INDIAN
NAVY DEPARTS PORT LOUIS AND LA RÉUNION
Posted On: 13 SEP 2025 5:45PM by PIB Delhi
The ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) — INS Tir, ICGS Sarathi, and INS
Shardul departed La Réunion and Port Louis respectively on 11 Sep 2025, reinforcing maritime
cooperation and regional security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The visits reaffirm the Indian Navy’s
commitment to enhanced maritime partnership through joint training and capacity building, guided by the
vision of MAHASAGAR.
At La Réunion, bilateral engagements between the Indian Navy and the French Navy focused on professional
exchanges and training interactions. INS Tir and ICGS Sarathi participated in a PASSEX with the Floreal-
class frigate FS Le Malin, which included coordinated manoeuvres, communication drills, and navigation
exercises. During harbour interactions, personnel from both navies undertook joint diving operations, cross-
training visits, and shipboard familiarisation. Trainees of 1TS also visited CROSS (Centre Régional
Opérationnel de Surveillance et de Sauvetage) and a naval workshop, gaining valuable insights into
operations and maintenance practices. Joint yoga sessions, friendly sports fixtures, and social
exchanges further strengthened bonds of camaraderie.
At Port Louis, Mauritius, INS Shardul conducted joint professional exchanges with the Mauritius
National Coast Guard, including diving operations, firefighting and damage-control drills,
shipboard familiarisation, and cross-deck visits. The ship also undertook joint EEZ surveillance,
a PASSEX, and cross-boarding exercises with MCGS Valiant, reaffirming strong interoperability
between the two maritime forces. Cultural and community outreach activities, including yoga
sessions, sports fixtures, and community service initiatives, were also organised. Additionally, the
ship hosted visits by school children, members of the Indian diaspora, and Mauritian citizens.
The simultaneous port calls by 1TS at La Réunion and Mauritius highlights Indian Navy’s enduring
partnership with regional navies, strengthening bridges of friendship.****
VM/SKY 187/25
(Release ID: 2166311)