High Commission of India

Victoria, Seychelles

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Subject:     Visit of Indian Navy's 1st Training Squadron (1TS) Ships to Seychelles 

1.     The Indian Naval Ships (INS) of the 1TS, INS Tir, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi, successfully concluded their visit at Port Victoria, Seychelles.
2. 
       During the three-day port call, the Commanding Officers - Captain Tijo K Joseph, Commandant Kundan Singh, and Commander Jishnu Madhavan - paid courtesy calls on H.E. Mr. Rohit Rathish, High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Seychelles. Captain Tijo K Joseph, TS1 also called on Major General Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces.
3. 
       On 14 October 2026, a reception was hosted onboard INS Tir and ICGS Sarathi by H.E. Mr. Rohit Rathish, High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Seychelles and and the Senior Officer, 1TS. The event was graced by Mr. Sebastien Pillay, Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles, Hon. Azarel Ernesta, Speaker of National Assembly of Seychelles, H.E Mr. Barry Faure, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora and Ministers of the Government of Seychelles, members of the diplomatic corps, senior officers of the Seychelles Defence Forces, and distinguished members of the Indian diaspora.
   
   4.    As part of goodwill engagements, the ships’ companies conducted a series of activities:

4.1 Professional exchanges, including visits by Indian sea trainees to the Seychelles Coast Guard Base, PS Zoroaster, and MTSC, while Seychelles Coast Guard trainees visited and interacted with staff and cadets of 1TS Ships. 

4.2 Community outreach, with Indian Navy personnel visiting an elderly home at Point La Rue Elderly Home, and donating essential supplies, and conducting medical camp.

4.3 A performance by the Indian Navy Band was conducted at The Story Hotel on
14 Oct 2026.

4.5 Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Damage Control (NBCD) training was imparted to Seychelles Coast Guard personnel onboard INS Tir.

4.6 The ships were also open for visitors on 14 October 2026, welcoming approximately 200 visitors.

5. On departure, the Squadron undertook a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Seychelles Coast Guard Ship PS Andromache, enhancing operational coordination between the two maritime forces.
6. The 1TS, since its inception, has been the cornerstone of sea training for Indian Navy officer cadets of the executive branch. This crucial phase consolidates theoretical knowledge and introduces cadets to life at sea, preparing them for professional excellence.
7. The visit of the 1TS to Seychelles reaffirms the deep-rooted defence partnership between India and Seychelles, anchored in mutual trust, professional exchanges, and capacity-building cooperation. The Ships of 01 Ts had last visited Port Victoria, Seychelles in Sept 2025.