Indian Navy ship at Singapore Port.
Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Singapore Visit: Singapore, January 17, 2026 — The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) has arrived at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, marking an important milestone in India’s maritime engagement with Southeast Asia and underscoring the growing depth of naval cooperation between India and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The squadron, comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, reached Singapore on January 15 as part of a training deployment to the South East Indian Ocean Region. The visit carries added significance as 2026 is being commemorated as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation, a designation that highlights the shared emphasis on maritime security, capacity building, and regional stability.
The port call comes at a time when India holds a leadership role in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), further reinforcing New Delhi’s commitment to fostering collaborative security architectures across the Indo-Pacific. Officials said the deployment reflects India’s sustained focus on strengthening partnerships with Southeast Asian nations in line with its Act East Policy and the broader vision of MAHASAGAR—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
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During the visit, personnel from the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) are participating in a wide range of professional and cultural engagements designed to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding. These include structured training exchanges, professional discussions, and visits to key maritime institutions, alongside joint yoga sessions and friendly sports fixtures involving trainees from both navies.
Cultural diplomacy is also a prominent feature of the visit. The Indian Naval Band is scheduled to perform at prominent public locations in Singapore, showcasing India’s maritime heritage and strengthening people-to-people connections. In addition, the visiting ships will be open to school children, offering an opportunity to engage young audiences and raise awareness about maritime careers and naval cooperation.
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On arrival, Dr. Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, interacted with the trainees of the First Training Squadron, encouraging them and highlighting the strategic importance of such overseas deployments in shaping future naval leaders. The Senior Officer of 1TS and the Commanding Officers of the ships also paid courtesy calls on the Commander of the RSN’s Maritime Training and Doctrine Command (MTDC). Professional exchanges were further enriched through interactions with International Liaison Officers from the Information Fusion Centre, a key regional hub for maritime domain awareness.
The second day of the visit focused on community outreach and deeper engagement with the RSN. Activities included visits to the Information Fusion Centre and the RSN Museum, friendly sports events, and a community outreach programme at the Sree Narayana Old Age and Nursing Home. These engagements highlighted the humanitarian and social dimensions of naval diplomacy, complementing the operational and training-focused interactions.
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Defence officials noted that the visit not only enhances bilateral naval cooperation between India and Singapore but also contributes to a broader framework of regional maritime security. By promoting shared training, information exchange, and cultural understanding, the deployment reinforces trust and interoperability between the two navies.
As the First Training Squadron continues its deployment in the region, the Singapore port call stands as a visible demonstration of India’s proactive maritime outreach, its leadership role within IONS, and its commitment to a secure, stable, and cooperative Indo-Pacific maritime environment.
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