New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron concluded its port call at Phuket Deep Sea Port on Wednesday with a joint passage exercise alongside a Royal Thai Navy ship, marking another step in strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation between India and Thailand.
The visit, which featured INS Tir, INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Sarathi, ended with a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) conducted with HTMS Huahin on Wednesday. During the harbour phase, personnel from the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy engaged in professional exchanges, training interactions, and social activities aimed at deepening naval ties.
Senior officers of the First Training Squadron, led by Captain Tijo K Joseph, met Vice Admiral Veerudome Muangchean, Commander of the Royal Thai Navy’s 3rd Naval Area Command. The discussions focused on regional maritime security, training approaches, and opportunities for expanding joint naval training.
As part of the engagement, Indian sea trainees visited the 3rd Naval Area Command and Phang Nga Naval Port. Royal Thai Navy personnel were also hosted onboard INS Sujata, where they were briefed on the roles and operational capabilities of the First Training Squadron. These interactions helped both sides exchange best practices and enhance professional understanding, according to an official statement.
The visit also included a combined yoga session, friendly sports events, and an onboard reception jointly hosted by the Indian Embassy and the senior officer of the squadron. Senior Royal Thai Navy officials, diplomats, and members of the Indian community attended the event.
The successful visit reaffirmed the strong friendship between the two navies and highlighted the Indian Navy’s commitment to regional maritime cooperation under the MAHASAGAR vision for shared security and growth.
