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As part of the ongoing training deployment to Southeast Asia, ships of the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS) — INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata—along with ICGS Sarathi, arrived at Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand, on January 25, 2026. The ships were accorded a warm welcome by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) amidst the ceremonial fanfare of the RTN Band.
The visit symbolises the growing maritime partnership between India and Thailand, underpinned by a shared commitment to regional security, stability, and mutual understanding. The port call assumes special significance as 2026 is being celebrated as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation.
During the port call, personnel from the Indian Navy and the RTN will engage in a range of professional and training interactions aimed at enhancing cooperation and operational synergy. Planned activities include interactions with senior RTN leadership, professional exchanges, yoga sessions, friendly sports fixtures, and Passage Exercise (PASSEX).
The Indian Navy and the RTN share a close, friendly, and steadily evolving bilateral relationship, strengthened through regular engagements and exercises. Bilateral initiatives such as Ex Ayutthaya and the Indo–Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) continue to enhance coordination in shared maritime spaces. Additionally, the trilateral maritime exercise SITMEX, conducted last year, reflects enhanced interoperability and professional synergy among regional navies, including the RTN. The Indian Navy looks forward to building upon the RTN's exemplary stewardship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) as India assumes the IONS Chair from Thailand in February 2026.
The visit of the First Training Squadron to Thailand aligns with the Government of India's vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and underscores the Indian Navy's commitment to constructive engagement with regional partners. The deployment highlights India's role as a responsible maritime partner and its continued efforts to strengthen maritime security and cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region.
