Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Departs Sihanoukville Port, Cambodia, After Successful Visit.
Sihanoukville, Cambodia:
The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Sujata and ICGS Veera, concluded a successful visit to Sihanoukville, Cambodia, on 17th February 2025, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation. The three-day visit fostered deeper ties between the Indian Navy and the Royal Cambodian Navy (RCN), reinforcing the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
During the visit, senior officials from the Indian Navy, including Capt. Anshul Kishore, Senior Officer of 1TS, participated in a media interaction alongside the Commanding Officers of INS Sujata and ICGS Veera. The interaction highlighted the role of the Indian Navy in regional maritime cooperation and emphasized the importance of the First Training Squadron in advancing these goals.
Capt. Kishore also met with Admiral Tea Vinh, Commander of the Royal Cambodian Navy, at the Naval Headquarters in Phnom Penh. The discussions revolved around various aspects of defense cooperation, including bilateral cross-training, interoperability, joint exercises, regional security, and goodwill initiatives. The visit included calls on senior officials, including the Governor of Sihanoukville province and Rear Admiral Mey Dina, Commander of the Ream Naval Base.
As part of the ongoing defense engagement, the Indian Navy presented a Small Arms Simulator to the Royal Cambodian Army, enhancing the defense exchanges between the two countries. The visit also focused on strengthening people-to-people connections, with trainees from the First Training Squadron and the Royal Cambodian Navy participating in friendly sports events, fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding.
A guided tour of the ships was organized for the Indian community in Sihanoukville, and a reception was held onboard, attended by diplomats, ambassadors, senior RCN and Royal Cambodian Army leadership, as well as distinguished members of the Indian diaspora.
The goodwill visit of 1TS reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening its maritime partnerships in the region, in line with the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), and further deepens the strategic engagement between India and Cambodia.
