Phuket, Thailand | The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) successfully concluded its port visit to Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand, marking another milestone in strengthening maritime cooperation between India and Thailand. The visit culminated with a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) conducted on January 28, 2026, in coordination with the Royal Thai Navy ship HTMS Huahin.
The First Training Squadron comprised INS Tir, INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Sarathi. During the harbour phase of the visit, a wide range of bilateral activities were undertaken between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). These included professional exchanges, structured training interactions, and social engagements, all aimed at deepening Navy-to-Navy ties and mutual understanding.
Captain Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron, along with the Commanding Officers of the visiting ships, paid a courtesy call on Vice Admiral Veerudome Muangchean, Commander, 3rd Naval Area Command of the Royal Thai Navy. Discussions focused on regional maritime security challenges, training philosophies of the RTN, and potential avenues for enhanced joint training and cooperation between the two navies.
As part of the training exchange, sea trainees from the First Training Squadron visited the 3rd Naval Area Command and Phang Nga Naval Port, gaining insights into RTN operational practices. In reciprocation, Royal Thai Navy personnel were hosted onboard INS Sujata, where they were familiarised with the roles, responsibilities, and capabilities of the First Training Squadron. These interactions provided valuable opportunities for sharing best practices and strengthening professional bonds.
The visit also featured several people-to-people initiatives, including a combined yoga session and friendly sports fixtures between personnel of both navies, fostering camaraderie and goodwill. An onboard reception, co-hosted by the Indian Embassy in Thailand and the Senior Officer of 1TS, was attended by senior Royal Thai Navy leadership, members of the Indian diaspora, diplomats, and other distinguished guests.
The successful completion of the visit reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy. It also underscored the Indian Navy’s continued commitment to enhancing maritime cooperation with regional partners, in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
