As part of its ongoing training deployment to Southeast Asia, ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) — INS Tir, INS Shardul and INS Sujata — along with Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarathi, arrived at Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand, on 25 January 2026. The ships were accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), marked by the performance of the RTN Band.

The visit symbolises the growing maritime partnership between India and Thailand, underpinned by a shared commitment to regional security, stability and mutual understanding. The port call holds special significance as 2026 is being celebrated as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation.

During the stay, personnel of the Indian Navy and the RTN will participate in a series of professional and training engagements aimed at enhancing cooperation and operational synergy. The programme includes interactions with senior RTN leadership, professional exchanges, yoga sessions, friendly sports fixtures and a Passage Exercise (PASSEX).

The Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy share a close, friendly and steadily evolving bilateral relationship, strengthened through regular engagements and exercises. Bilateral initiatives such as Exercise Ayutthaya and the Indo–Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) have contributed to enhanced coordination in shared maritime spaces. The trilateral maritime exercise SITMEX, conducted last year, further reflects growing interoperability and professional synergy among regional navies, including the RTN. The Indian Navy also looks forward to building upon the RTN’s exemplary stewardship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) as India assumes the IONS Chair from Thailand in February 2026.

The visit of the First Training Squadron to Thailand aligns with the Government of India’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to constructive engagement with regional partners. The deployment highlights India’s role as a responsible maritime partner and its continued efforts to strengthen maritime security and cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region.