India and Thailand have consistently worked towards strengthening their maritime security cooperation.
The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Veera, successfully concluded its visit to Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand, further reinforcing naval cooperation and strategic engagement between India and Thailand. 

Enhanced Maritime Cooperation and Strategic Dialogue
 The visit, which began on March 1, 2025, ended on a high note on March 4, 2025, with the completion of PASSEX (Passing Exercise) involving coordinated tactical maneuvers and the exchange of sea riders between 1TS and the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN) HTMS Huahin. The exercise served as a significant milestone in improving interoperability and fostering seamless maritime collaboration between the two navies.

During the port call, several professional exchanges and training visits took place. Captain Anshul Kishore, Senior Officer of 1TS, along with the commanding officers of INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Veera, met with Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul, Commander of the 3rd Naval Area Command. Their discussions revolved around critical areas such as regional security, avenues for joint training, and bolstering strategic cooperation to ensure maritime stability in the region.

Inter-navy Communications
 In an effort to deepen collaboration and foster learning opportunities, Indian Navy sea trainees visited key Thai naval facilities, including the 3rd Naval Area Command, Phangna Naval Port, and HTMS Krabi. These engagements provided valuable insights into naval operations, best practices, and training methodologies, strengthening the professional bonds between Indian and Thai naval personnel.

Beyond military exercises, the visit emphasized people-to-people diplomacy, further solidifying the camaraderie between the two nations. Highlights of these interactions included:
A guided tour of Indian naval ships for schoolchildren, RTN personnel, and members of the Indian diaspora, promoting greater understanding of naval capabilities and operations.
A combined yoga session, symbolizing India’s rich cultural heritage and fostering camaraderie between naval officers of both countries.
Friendly sports matches, enhancing interpersonal relationships and mutual respect among personnel.
A grand Indian Naval Band concert at Patong Beach, which attracted a significant number of tourists and locals, celebrating the cultural exchange between India and Thailand.

A formal onboard reception was co-hosted by the Indian Embassy and Senior Officer of 1TS. This was attended by senior RTN officials, diplomats, and prominent members of the Indian community in Thailand, reflecting the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.

Strategically Positioned Naval Partnerships
 India and Thailand have consistently worked towards strengthening their maritime security cooperation through joint naval engagements. 

The visit also set the stage for future joint training initiatives, with Indian and Thai naval officers discussing expanded engagements, including coordinated anti-piracy operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief drills. 

Maritime Cooperation within the SAGAR Framework
 The visit aligns with India’s broader vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), which emphasizes collective maritime security and economic growth through regional partnerships. By deepening naval engagements with Thailand, India continues to bolster its defense diplomacy, operational coordination, and strategic outreach in the Indo-Pacific.

The successful completion of 1TS’s visit to Thailand underscores India’s unwavering commitment to maritime security, mutual cooperation, and sustained engagement with its Southeast Asian partners. As both nations navigate evolving geopolitical challenges, such collaborations play a pivotal role in ensuring a stable and secure maritime environment in the region.

The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron’s visit to Thailand marks another step in the growing maritime cooperation between the two nations.