Indian Navy personnel in Indonesia (Photo: Indian Navy)
New Delhi: In a significant boost to maritime engagement with Indonesia -- an Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) member and in furtherance of the vision of Mahasagar, the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) departed Belawan on January 23.
During the three-day port call, officers, crew and trainees of INS Tir, Shardul, Sujata and ICGS Sarathi undertook a wide range of engagements with the Indonesian Navy. These included professional interactions, cultural exchanges, training visits and friendly sports meets, aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two nations.
Captain Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer, 1TS, along with the Commanding Officers of the squadron’s ships, met with Laksamana Muda (RAdm) Deny Septiana, Commander, Naval Area Command I (Komando Daerah Angkatan Laut I). The interaction provided an opportunity to exchange views on shared maritime interests and regional security cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy.
An onboard reception, jointly hosted by the Senior Officer, 1TS, and the Consulate General of India in Medan, was attended by senior dignitaries from Naval Area Command I, with Kolonel Wirawan Aby P, Chief of Operations, as the Chief Guest.
“The reception provided an opportunity for meaningful interactions, further strengthening professional ties and fostering goodwill between the two Navies,” said Indian Navy PRO Captain Vivek Madhwal.
Professional engagements also included visits by Indian Naval trainees to various facilities of Naval Area Command I, offering them valuable insights into the roles and functions of the Command in the region.
In addition, friendly sports events, games and joint yoga sessions were organised with Indonesian Navy personnel, fostering camaraderie and mutual goodwill. The ships were also opened to schoolchildren, drawing an overwhelming response. Guided tours of the vessels generated visible excitement and curiosity among the students, making the visit both inspiring and memorable.
The 1TS deployment to Indonesia reflects the longstanding maritime ties between the two countries and reinforces India’s Act East Policy by extending maritime presence and cooperation across the wider Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian region.
“The visit underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to strengthening partnerships, enriching training experiences and promoting a stable, secure and collaborative maritime environment,” Captain Madhwal added.
