New Delhi/Singapore: The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) has arrived at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, marking a significant step in strengthening ASEAN–India maritime cooperation and regional naval engagement.
During the port call, personnel of the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) are participating in a series of professional interactions aimed at enhancing operational understanding and interoperability. These engagements include structured training exchanges, professional discussions and exposure visits to key maritime institutions.
Joint yoga sessions and friendly sports fixtures between trainees of both navies have also been planned, reflecting the emphasis on physical fitness, wellness and camaraderie alongside professional training.
Cultural and Community Outreach
Cultural diplomacy forms an important component of the visit. The Indian Naval Band is scheduled to perform at prominent public locations across Singapore, showcasing India’s rich maritime and cultural traditions.
In a gesture aimed at fostering people-to-people ties, the ships have been opened for visits by school children, offering young students an opportunity to learn about naval life, maritime security and India–Singapore defence relations.
High-Level Interactions and Professional Exchanges
On arrival, the High Commissioner of India to Singapore, Dr Shilpak Ambule, interacted with the trainees of the First Training Squadron, encouraging them to serve as ambassadors of India’s maritime ethos. Senior Officer 1TS and Commanding Officers also called on the Commander of the Maritime Training and Doctrine Command (MTDC).
Professional exchanges were further strengthened through interactions with a team of International Liaison Officers from the Information Fusion Centre, a key regional hub for maritime information sharing.
Engagements with Republic of Singapore Navy
The second day of the visit featured extensive engagements with the Republic of Singapore Navy. Highlights included visits to the Information Fusion Centre and the RSN Museum, providing trainees with insights into Singapore’s maritime security architecture and naval heritage.
Friendly sports fixtures and a community outreach programme at the Sree Narayana Old Age and Nursing Home further reinforced goodwill and mutual respect between the visiting personnel and the local community.
Aligned with Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR Vision
The visit of the First Training Squadron to Singapore reinforces India’s Act East Policy and reflects New Delhi’s emphasis on sustained engagement with Southeast Asian partners. It also supports the vision of MAHASAGAR Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
By promoting maritime cooperation, capacity building and cultural exchange, the deployment highlights India’s role as a responsible maritime partner and a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
Building Future-Ready Naval Leadership
As a training deployment, the visit plays a crucial role in shaping future naval leaders by exposing trainees to multinational environments, modern maritime practices and cooperative security frameworks.
The Indian Navy’s engagement with Singapore through the First Training Squadron reflects a shared commitment to peace, stability and rule-based order in regional waters.