Indian Navy's First Training Squadron Departs Seychelles, Deepening Bilateral Maritime Cooperation and Regional Defense Ties
Distilled Policy Brief
- The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi, successfully concluded its port call at Port Victoria, Seychelles, on October 15, 2026.
- The deployment aimed to bolster bilateral defense cooperation, capacity building, and professional cross-training, including specialized training in firefighting and small arms handling for the Seychelles Defence Forces.
- The visit reinforced India's strategic vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) through joint exercises like PASSEX with Seychelles Coast Guard ship Andromeda and community outreach initiatives.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron includes INS Tir, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, which recently engaged in maritime cooperation and PASSEX exercises with Seychelles Coast Guard ship Andromeda.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Analyze India's strategic engagements in the Western Indian Ocean through naval diplomacy, capacity building, and the SAGAR doctrine to counter regional security challenges.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
Consider the following statements regarding the recent deployment of the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS) to Seychelles: 1. The squadron comprised INS Tir, INS Sujata, and the Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi. 2. During the visit, a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) was conducted with the Seychelles Coast Guard ship Andromeda. 3. The deployment specifically focused on bilateral defense cooperation without involving any community outreach or humanitarian initiatives. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statements 1 and 2 are correct as the First Training Squadron consisting of INS Tir, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi visited Port Victoria, Seychelles, and undertook a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Seychelles Coast Guard ship Andromeda. Statement 3 is incorrect because the deployment did involve community outreach initiatives, including organizing a medical camp, distributing essential supplies at an old age home, and hosting school visits.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.