Indian Navy ship at La Reunion.
Indian Navy’s 1TS Engages in Long-Range Training Deployment in the Southwest Indian Ocean: September 10, 2025 In a move that highlights India’s commitment to deepening maritime cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region, the ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS)—INS Tir, INS Shardul, and ICGS Sarathi—have embarked on a significant Long Range Training Deployment (LRTD). Arriving in La Réunion and Port Louis on September 8, 2025, these visits represent not only a critical training mission but also a reaffirmation of India’s strategic and diplomatic objectives in the region.
A Dual-Port Engagement: La Réunion and Port Louis
On September 8, two of the 1TS ships, INS Tir and ICGS Sarathi, docked in La Réunion, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean. This marked the beginning of their collaborative engagements with the French Navy, further strengthening the long-standing India-France naval partnership. At the same time, INS Shardul made its port call to Port Louis, Mauritius, where it conducted joint operations with the Mauritius Coast Guard, reinforcing the close ties between the two nations.
The dual visits to La Réunion and Mauritius underline India’s expanding strategic footprint in the Southwest Indian Ocean—a region increasingly viewed as critical for maritime security, trade, and regional stability. Both stops were carefully coordinated to enhance operational collaboration while promoting the spirit of friendship and mutual respect between the countries involved.
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Indian Navy Contingent received by French Navy.
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La Réunion: Strengthening India-France Naval Cooperation
In La Réunion, INS Tir and ICGS Sarathi were welcomed by the French Navy’s FS Nivose, marking the beginning of a robust exchange program between the two navies. The welcoming ceremony included a Passage Exercise (PASSEX), a naval drill designed to improve interoperability and tactical cooperation. The importance of this exercise cannot be overstated: in an era of complex maritime challenges, joint training enhances mutual understanding and ensures that naval forces from different nations can work together seamlessly when required.
Beyond the drills, the visit to La Réunion facilitated professional interactions between the Indian Navy and the French military, focusing on cross-training visits and joint diving exercises. These activities are part of a broader initiative to improve readiness in various maritime operations. In addition to professional engagements, the crews participated in yoga sessions and sports fixtures, further cementing the personal bonds between the sailors of both nations.
The Senior Officer of 1TS also met with high-ranking officials, including the French Naval Base Commander and the Commandant Supérieur des FAZSOI (French Armed Forces of the Southern Indian Ocean). Their discussions centered on regional security, the future of joint naval exercises, and strategies for enhancing maritime cooperation. These meetings furthered the shared vision of strengthening the India-France partnership and working towards greater stability in the Indian Ocean.
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Mauritius: Joint Surveillance and Community Engagement
Simultaneously, INS Shardul arrived in Mauritius, where it began a series of joint training and surveillance operations with the Mauritius Coast Guard (MCG). The first significant task was conducting joint patrolling and surveillance of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This operational cooperation is vital for safeguarding maritime resources, combating illegal fishing, and ensuring the security of Mauritius’ waters.
Before the port call, INS Shardul had already partnered with the Mauritius Coast Guard Ship Victory and a Mauritius Coast Guard Dornier aircraft for a comprehensive surveillance operation. The presence of Indian naval ships in Mauritius underscores India’s growing role as a regional security provider in the Indian Ocean.
During its port call, the Commanding Officer of INS Shardul engaged in discussions with senior Mauritian officials, including the Commissioner of Police, the Commandant of the National Coast Guard, and the Secretary of Home Affairs. These interactions underscored the deep cultural and professional bonds between the two nations, dating back to Mauritius’ independence in 1968 and its close relationship with India.
But the partnership extends beyond the professional realm. A series of joint training exercises are planned between the Indian Navy and the National Coast Guard of Mauritius, focusing on crucial skills such as diving operations, firefighting, damage control, and shipboard familiarization drills. These exercises are designed to enhance the readiness and capabilities of both nations’ forces in responding to maritime emergencies and threats.
Furthermore, the visit emphasizes people-to-people diplomacy. The sailors participated in a variety of community outreach programs, including yoga sessions, cultural performances, and friendly sports fixtures. These initiatives aim to build camaraderie among the personnel, while also fostering positive relations with the local community. The Indian diaspora in Mauritius will also have opportunities to engage with the crew through open-ship events, school tours, and cross-deck visits, offering a firsthand look at life at sea and the strategic importance of the Indian Navy.
India’s Maritime Strategy: Building Bridges of Friendship
The ongoing Long Range Training Deployment is a significant part of India’s broader maritime strategy, aligned with the MAHASAGAR initiative—India’s vision for a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Indian Ocean region. The concurrent visits to La Réunion and Mauritius are a reflection of India’s growing naval presence and its commitment to enhancing interoperability, security, and cooperation with key partners in the region.
The deployments also highlight India’s role in strengthening the maritime security architecture of the Indian Ocean. As the region faces evolving threats, including piracy, illegal fishing, and strategic rivalries, India’s collaborative engagements with regional and extra-regional powers are seen as pivotal in safeguarding the region’s security and ensuring freedom of navigation for all.
The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron plays an important role in this vision, not only in terms of operational readiness but also as a bridge for diplomatic engagement. By conducting joint exercises, engaging in cultural exchanges, and fostering mutual trust, the 1TS deployment is a living testament to the Indian Navy’s role in fostering peace, stability, and cooperation across the Indian Ocean region.
As the deployment continues, future engagements will likely focus on expanding the scope of training, conducting more complex exercises, and exploring new avenues for collaboration. For India, these efforts are part of a larger strategy to enhance its naval capabilities and build lasting partnerships that ensure maritime security for generations to come.
In conclusion, the long-range training deployment of the Indian Navy’s 1TS serves as a powerful symbol of India’s enduring commitment to its maritime neighbors, strengthening diplomatic ties, and contributing to the security and stability of the Indian Ocean Region.
