Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Makes Port Call at Mombasa, Kenya

IN NEWS – Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Makes Port Call at Mombasa, Kenya

Analysis

• The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Sarathi, made a port call at Mombasa, Kenya, on 25 September 2025.
• The visit reflects India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation and training partnerships in the South West Indian Ocean Region (SWIOR).
• The ships were warmly received by the Kenya Navy, along with the Defence Advisor and the Acting High Commissioner of India.

Key Highlights

1. Training Deployment:
   • The deployment is part of a long-range training mission of 1TS to the SW Indian Ocean, with earlier visits to Seychelles, Mauritius, La Réunion, and Mozambique.
   • The aim is to provide sea training exposure to naval cadets and foster regional maritime cooperation.
2. Activities during Port Call:
   • Professional and social interactions between the Indian Navy and Kenya Navy personnel.
   • Joint training activities, Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX), and Passage Exercise (PASSEX) will be conducted to enhance interoperability.
   • Cultural and community engagements include a joint yoga session, band performance by both navies, and outreach initiatives in Mombasa.
3. Strategic Significance:
   • Strengthens India–Kenya maritime partnership under the broader framework of regional maritime security and capacity building.
   • Supports India’s “MAHASAGAR” Vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
   • Reinforces India’s role as a reliable maritime partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), promoting peace, stability, and mutual growth.

Static / Background Information

• First Training Squadron (1TS):
  • A key component of the Southern Naval Command, responsible for the sea training of Naval and Coast Guard cadets.
  • Operates under the Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST).
  • Consists of INS Tir (lead training ship), INS Sujata (offshore patrol vessel), INS Shardul (amphibious warfare ship), and ICGS Sarathi (offshore patrol vessel of the Indian Coast Guard).
• MAHASAGAR Vision:
  • Announced by India to promote regional cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
  • Focuses on collective growth, sustainable development, and stability across littoral states.
  • Acts as a complementary initiative to India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy.
• India–Kenya Maritime Cooperation:
  • Both nations are members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
  • Cooperation includes capacity building, hydrography, training, anti-piracy patrols, and humanitarian assistance in the western Indian Ocean.

Updated – 26 Sep 2025 ; 4:37 PM | PIB