Three ships from the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron, namely Indian Naval Ships TIR and SUJATA, and Indian Coast Guard Ship VARUNA, are visiting Colombo from 15 – 18 April 2016.  

During their stay in Colombo, a series of professional, training, cultural and sports interactions will take place between the ships’ crew and Sri Lanka Navy personnel.

Ships from the First Training Squadron have been visiting Sri Lanka regularly. Their last visit was in March 2015, during which valuable training opportunities were provided to the Sri Lanka Navy.

The First Training Squadron, which comprises six indigenously built warships, including two Sail Training ships, imparts sea training to Naval and Coast Guard Trainee officers. These are the only ships of Indian Navy and Coast Guard where intensive practical ab-initio sea training in seamanship, navigation, shiphandling, boat work and technical aspects is conducted for officers over a period of 24 weeks, whilst exposing them to the rigours of life at sea. The Training Squadron is headed by Captain S.R. Ayyar, Senior Officer First Training Squadron and Commanding Officer INS Tir.

The First Training Squadron is a part of Indian Navy’s prestigious Southern Naval Command (SNC), headed by Flag Oficer Commanding-in-Chief, Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, AVSM, VSM. SNC is the Training Command of the Indian Navy, which conducts basic and advanced training for officers and sailors, including those from friendly foreign countries. As one of the finest destinations for training, Indian Navy has trained more than 13,000 international trainees from over 40 countries in the last four decades.