Indian Navy Launches Long-Range Southeast Asia Deployment for Officer Trainees Under Act East Policy

New Delhi, January 7 The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron on Wednesday began a long-range training deployment to Southeast Asia, marking an important step in the professional development of young naval officers and in India’s growing maritime engagement with the region. The deployment is part of the training curriculum of the 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course and was announced by the Ministry of Defence. As part of this mission, Indian Naval Ships INS Tir, INS Shardul and INS Sujata, along with the Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, will sail to Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. The voyage is designed to give officer trainees real-world operational experience beyond Indian waters, helping them understand the practical demands of naval operations, international cooperation and life at sea during extended deployments. The primary aim of the long-range deployment is to provide comprehensive training exposure to the officers undergoing the course. Through this mission, trainees will gain hands-on experience in navigation, seamanship, logistics and operational planning, while also learning how modern navies operate together in a shared maritime environment. The deployment is expected to play a key role in shaping the professional outlook of future officers of the Indian Navy. During scheduled port calls in Southeast Asian countries, the First Training Squadron will take part in a wide range of professional and cooperative activities with host navies and maritime agencies. These interactions will include cross-deck visits, discussions with subject matter experts, training exchanges and joint maritime partnership exercises. Such engagements are aimed at improving interoperability, building trust and enhancing mutual understanding between India and its regional partners. Beyond training objectives, the deployment reflects India’s broader strategic approach towards Southeast Asia. It aligns closely with India’s Act East Policy, which focuses on strengthening political, economic and security ties with countries in the region. By sending its training squadron to friendly foreign ports, India continues to underline its commitment to constructive engagement, maritime cooperation and regional stability. The mission also supports India’s vision of a free, open and inclusive Indian Ocean Region. Through regular naval interactions and presence in international waters, the Indian Navy seeks to promote rules-based order, freedom of navigation and peaceful use of the seas. The long-range deployment of the First Training Squadron contributes to maritime diplomacy by fostering goodwill and cooperation with partner nations. The 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course includes six international officer trainees from friendly foreign countries, highlighting the Indian Navy’s role in capacity building and professional military education. Their participation in the deployment underscores India’s commitment to sharing expertise and strengthening defence ties with partner nations through training and people-to-people exchanges. In addition to naval trainees, personnel from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force are also embarked on this deployment. Their presence reflects India’s growing emphasis on jointness and integration among the three services. Exposure to naval operations at sea will help officers from all services better understand each other’s roles and enhance operational coordination in future missions. Overall, the long-range deployment of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron serves multiple purposes. It strengthens training outcomes for young officers, deepens ties with Southeast Asian nations and reinforces India’s strategic and diplomatic presence in the maritime domain. As the ships sail across international waters, the mission stands as a clear signal of India’s commitment to cooperation, professionalism and : Indian Navy Launches Long-Range Southeast Asia Deployment for Officer Trainees Under Act East Policy The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron has begun a long-range training deployment to Southeast Asia as part of the 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course. Announced by the Ministry of Defence, the mission will see Indian Naval Ships INS Tir, INS Shardul and INS Sujata, along with Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, sail to Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. The deployment aims to give young officer trainees real operational experience at sea, helping them learn navigation, teamwork and day-to-day naval operations during an extended voyage. During port calls, the squadron will take part in professional interactions, training exchanges and joint activities with host navies and maritime agencies. These engagements are meant to improve cooperation, build trust and strengthen mutual understanding. The mission also supports India’s Act East Policy and reflects the country’s commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indian Ocean Region. It highlights India’s focus on maritime diplomacy and regional cooperation. The 110th course includes six international officer trainees, showing India’s role in defence training and capacity building. Personnel from the Indian Army and Air Force are also on board, strengthening jointness among the armed forces.