The Indian Navy made headlines with the arrival of its debut Training Squadron at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base on January 15. INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarthi form this dynamic unit, engaged in far-reaching training deployments through Southeast Asian seas.
Timed strategically ahead of the 2026 ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation Year, the stopover facilitates advanced naval interactions. Efforts between India and Singapore emphasize skill enhancement, maritime domain awareness, and partnership solidification via officer exchanges, collective yoga, and athletic meets.
Enriching the program, performances by the Indian Naval Band at key venues blend culture with diplomacy. Schoolchildren’s shipboard excursions offer hands-on exposure to naval routines, igniting maritime aspirations.
Dr. Shilpak Ambule, India’s High Commissioner, connected with trainees and discussed doctrines with command leadership. Insights from the Information Fusion Centre bolstered professional dialogues.
Follow-up events included public welfare drives, RSN consultations, visits to the fusion center and museum, competitive games, and aid at senior care facilities. Such initiatives propel India’s Act East momentum, weaving tighter maritime fabrics with regional players.
Echoing India’s stewardship in IONS and visionary ocean strategy, this voyage extends to Indonesia and Thailand, heralding sustained Indo-Pacific harmony.