Indian Navy training squadron ships left Colombo on 29 October 2026 after a port visit to Sri Lanka. The visit offers a case study in India’s maritime partnerships.
Quick answer: The Indian Navy training squadron concluded its Colombo visit on 29 October 2026. Its three ships interacted with the Sri Lanka Navy and conducted a passage exercise with Sri Lanka Naval Ship Nandimithra. Trainee exchanges and coordinated manoeuvres supported maritime cooperation and professional training.
What happened at Colombo?
The First Training Squadron, or 1TS, completed a port visit involving naval exchanges, community activities and training interactions. On departure, the Indian Navy training squadron also joined a passage exercise with the Sri Lanka Navy.
During the visit, the squadron’s senior officer and ship commanders met the commander of Sri Lanka’s Western Naval Area. The meeting, therefore, provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral maritime cooperation.
Ships and locations: quick facts
Three ships formed the visiting squadron, while Colombo and Trincomalee hosted different activities.
| Item | Fact |
|---|---|
| Indian Naval Ships | INS Tir and INS Sujata |
| Indian Coast Guard Ship | ICGS Sarathi |
| Colombo | Port visit and departure point |
| Trincomalee | Location of the Naval and Maritime Academy |
| Sri Lankan exercise ship | Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Nandimithra |
Prelims distinction: ICGS Sarathi belongs to the Indian Coast Guard; it was part of the visiting squadron alongside two Indian Naval Ships.
What training and outreach took place?
Indian trainees visited the Naval and Maritime Academy at Trincomalee and interacted with their Sri Lankan counterparts. In return, academy cadets visited the squadron’s ships and learned about their training facilities.
Indian Navy personnel also joined a beach-cleaning activity. In addition, local residents and members of the Indian diaspora visited the ships and interacted with crews.
What is a passage exercise and why does it matter?
A passage exercise (PASSEX) involves naval ships undertaking coordinated activities while at sea. In this case, 1TS and SLNS Nandimithra practised coordinated manoeuvres during the squadron’s departure.
Such activities support operational coordination and interoperability: the ability of forces to work together. The visit also reflected MAHASAGAR, or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, the maritime vision cited by the source.
For comparison, revise Exercise IBSAMAR IX and the INS Trishul port visit to Italy.
Source: Press Information Bureau, 30 October 2026
- Exercise IBSAMAR IX 2026: Key Features and Significance (28 Oct 2026)
Punjab PCS and Haryana HCS may test the ships, locations and exercise partner under current affairs. Also revise the distinction between the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
Prelims Practice Corner
Mains Practice Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ships visited Colombo with the First Training Squadron?
INS Tir, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi visited Colombo. The first two are naval ships, while Sarathi belongs to the Indian Coast Guard.
Which Sri Lankan ship joined the passage exercise?
SLNS Nandimithra joined the passage exercise. It conducted coordinated manoeuvres with the squadron as the latter departed Colombo.
Where is Sri Lanka’s Naval and Maritime Academy?
The academy is at Trincomalee. During the visit, Indian trainees met their Sri Lankan counterparts there.
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