Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Arrives in Phuket, Strengthening India–Thailand Maritime Cooperation.
Phuket, Thailand:
Ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) arrived at Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand, on January 25, 2026, marking an important milestone in India’s ongoing training deployment to Southeast Asia. The visiting ships include INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, along with Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi.
The squadron was accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), with the RTN Band adding to the traditional fanfare, reflecting the strong and friendly ties between the two maritime forces.
The port call holds particular significance as 2026 is being observed as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation. The visit symbolises the steadily growing maritime partnership between India and Thailand, anchored in shared interests of regional security, stability, and mutual trust in the Indo-Pacific region.
During their stay at Phuket, personnel from the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy will participate in a series of professional, operational and cultural engagements aimed at enhancing cooperation and interoperability. These activities include interactions with senior RTN leadership, professional exchanges, joint yoga sessions, friendly sports events, and a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) at sea to strengthen operational coordination.
India and Thailand enjoy a close and evolving bilateral maritime relationship, reinforced through regular exercises and engagements. Key initiatives such as Exercise Ayutthaya and the Indo–Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) have significantly enhanced coordination and maritime domain awareness in shared waters. Additionally, the trilateral maritime exercise SITMEX, conducted last year, highlighted the growing interoperability and professional synergy among regional navies, including the RTN.
The visit also comes at a pivotal time as India is set to assume the Chair of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from Thailand in February 2026. The Indian Navy has expressed its intent to build upon the Royal Thai Navy’s exemplary stewardship of IONS and further strengthen regional maritime cooperation.
Aligned with the Government of India’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), the deployment of the First Training Squadron underscores India’s commitment to constructive engagement with regional partners. It also highlights the Indian Navy’s role as a responsible maritime partner and its continued efforts to promote peace, security and cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region.
