The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron departed Belawan after a three-day port call that strengthened maritime cooperation with Indonesia. The visit involved INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi, and focused on professional exchanges, training exposure, cultural interaction and goodwill activities. It also reflected India’s wider maritime outreach in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.
Port Call at Belawan
The squadron’s visit to Belawan was part of India’s naval engagement with a key Indian Ocean Naval Symposium member. The deployment supported the vision of MAHASAGAR, which emphasises maritime security, cooperation and regional connectivity. The port call provided an opportunity for the Indian crew and trainees to interact closely with the Indonesian Navy.
Naval Cooperation and Dialogue
Senior officers from the squadron called on Rear Admiral Deny Septiana, Commander of Naval Area Command I. The discussions centred on shared maritime interests and ways to deepen naval cooperation. An onboard reception, jointly hosted by the squadron and the Consulate General of India in Medan, brought together senior Indonesian naval dignitaries and created further space for professional engagement.
Training, Culture and Outreach
Indian naval trainees visited facilities of Naval Regional Command I to understand its operational roles and responsibilities. The programme also included joint yoga sessions, sports events and cultural exchanges. These activities helped build camaraderie and mutual understanding between the two maritime forces.
Public Engagement and Strategic Significance
The ships were opened to schoolchildren, who toured the vessels and interacted with the crew. The visit reinforced people-to-people ties and brought into light the Indian Navy’s commitment to training, friendship and a stable maritime environment. It also underlined India’s Act East Policy and its growing naval presence in the region.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026