The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Veera, visited Changi Naval Base, Singapore, from 6-9 February 2025. The visit aimed to strengthen naval cooperation, training exchanges, and people-to-people ties.
Captain Anshul Kishore, Senior Officer of 1TS, met with Colonel Rinson Chua Hon Liat, Commander of the Maritime Training and Doctrine Command. They discussed joint training opportunities and potential operational collaborations. Dr Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, visited the ships. He highlighted the Indian Navy’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and maritime relations under the ‘Building Bridges of Friendship’ initiative.
A wreath-laying ceremony at the Kranji War Memorial honoured fallen soldiers, reinforcing historical and defence ties between India and Singapore.
The visit also focused on strengthening interpersonal relations. Indian and Singapore Navy trainees played friendly sports matches, enhancing camaraderie. Indian naval trainees visited the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) and Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre (RHCC). These visits provided insights into regional maritime security. A tour of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Museum gave them a deeper understanding of Singapore’s maritime heritage.
The Indian Navy’s community outreach efforts were also visible. School children from Yuva Bharti and Delhi Public School in Singapore toured the squadron’s ships. A lunch was organised at Sree Narayana Old Age and Nursing Home as part of the engagement initiatives.
The visit ended with a reception aboard the ships. Ambassadors, RSN officers and trainees, diplomats, and Indian diaspora members attended the event. This gathering reinforced the maritime partnership between India and Singapore. The visit aligns with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’, ‘Act East’, and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies.
This successful visit reaffirmed India and Singapore’s defence cooperation, strengthening their maritime ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
