VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Indian Navy’s 1st Training Squadron (1TS) ships — INS Tir, INS Shardul and ICGS Sarathi — have successfully concluded their Operational Turn Round at Port Victoria, Seychelles. The visit, which ran from August 28 to September 1, 2025, was marked by a series of professional and cultural exchanges.
The ships’ commanding officers — Captain Tijo K. Joseph, Commandant Kundan Singh and Commander S.K. Singh — paid courtesy calls on Seychellois dignitaries, including Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, and Major General Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces. A reception was held aboard INS Tir, hosted by the high commission of India’s Chargé d’Affaires Ranveer Bharti and Captain Joseph, and was attended by ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, senior officers from the Seychelles Defence Forces, and members of the Indian diaspora.
Beyond the formal engagements, the naval crews participated in community activities, including a yoga session for local citizens, guided ship tours, and a visit to a local elderly home where they donated essential supplies and conducted a medical camp. Indian sea trainees visited the Seychelles Coast Guard Base, PS Zoroaster, and the Maritime Training and Tactical Centre, while Seychelles Air Force trainees toured the 1TS ships. The Indian Navy also conducted a Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Damage Control training session for Seychelles Coast Guard personnel aboard INS Tir.
Recreational activities fostered camaraderie between the two navies, including a friendly football match against the Seychelles Defence Forces and a trek to Anse Major. The Indian Navy Band captivated the public with a performance at the iconic Victoria Clock Tower. The visit of the 1TS to Seychelles reaffirms the deep-rooted defence partnership between India and Seychelles, anchored in mutual trust, professional exchanges and capacity-building cooperation.
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