Ships of the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS) - INS Tir, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi - arrived off Malé, Maldives, on October 21, 2026, as part of the Squadron's Long Range Training Deployment. The Squadron received a warm welcome from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), reflecting the strong maritime partnership and close regional ties between the two nations.
During the port call, the Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron called on the Chief of Defence Force of MNDF and the Commandant of MNDF Coast Guard. Discussions focused on sustained engagement and multifaceted maritime collaboration between the Indian Navy and MNDF. The Senior Officer also called on Shri G Balasubramaniam, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives.
As part of the training exchanges, trainees of the First Training Squadron visited the Girifushi Training Centre. The visit program includes cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, social interactions, and outreach activities planned to foster camaraderie and mutual understanding between the two forces.
The ongoing visit reaffirms enhanced interoperability between the Indian Navy and MNDF and underscores the growing maritime cooperation between the two nations, in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).