First Training Squadron Leaves Seychelles After PASSEX with SDF
Why in the news
The Ministry of Defence reported on 17 October 2026 that three ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron had sailed out of Port Victoria, Seychelles, on 15 October after a port call during their training deployment.
Key facts
- Ships: INS Tir and INS Sujata of the Navy, along with Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarathi.
- PASSEX: A Passage Exercise was held with Seychelles Coast Guard Ship Andromache, covering joint patrolling, communication drills and coordinated manoeuvres.
- Training: Personnel of the Seychelles Defence Force (SDF) received firefighting and small-arms training, besides cross-training visits.
- Leadership call: The Senior Officer of the squadron and the commanding officers met Maj Gen Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces of the SDF, to discuss bilateral cooperation.
- Outreach: A medical camp was organised and the Indian Navy Band helped distribute essential supplies.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Port visited | Port Victoria, Seychelles |
| Departure | 15 October 2026 |
| Partner ship in PASSEX | Andromache (Seychelles Coast Guard) |
| Guiding vision | MAHASAGAR |
About MAHASAGAR
MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The ministry said the visit strengthened the long-standing India-Seychelles partnership and reflected the Navy’s focus on capacity building and regional partnerships under this vision.
Exam angle
- The PASSEX covered joint patrolling, communication drills and coordinated manoeuvres.
- ICGS Sarathi belongs to the Indian Coast Guard, while INS Tir and INS Sujata are Navy ships.
- Remember the capital-port pairing: Port Victoria is in Seychelles.