Indian Navy Training Fleet Anchors in Colombo With 135 Trainees

by Zulfick Farzan 27-10-2026 | 9:52 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st); A new generation of Indian naval leaders arrived in Colombo as three vessels from the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron made a formal visit to Sri Lanka, bringing with them 135 officer under-trainees and a renewed focus on maritime cooperation between the two neighbouring nations.

The training ships INS Tir, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi docked in Colombo on October 26 and were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in keeping with longstanding naval traditions.

At the heart of the visit are 135 officer under-trainees gaining first-hand exposure to regional naval cooperation and operational practices as part of their professional development.

The visiting flotilla includes INS Tir, a 107-metre training ship commanded by Captain Tijo K. Joseph, INS Sujata, a 103-metre Offshore Patrol Vessel under the command of Commander Jishnu Madhavan, and ICGS Sarathi, a 105-metre Offshore Patrol Vessel commanded by Commandant Kundan Singh.

The Commanding Officers of the three vessels called on Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters, where mementoes were exchanged to mark the occasion and reaffirm the cordial relationship between the two navies.

During their stay in Sri Lanka, the officers and trainees are scheduled to participate in a range of programmes organised by the Sri Lanka Navy aimed at enhancing bilateral ties, professional engagement and mutual cooperation.

Sri Lankan naval personnel will also have the opportunity to board the visiting vessels, observe training operations and exchange professional expertise with their Indian counterparts, providing valuable opportunities for learning and collaboration.

Beyond official engagements, the visiting officers and trainees are expected to tour several key locations and places of interest across the island, allowing them to experience Sri Lanka's culture, heritage and maritime significance while further strengthening people-to-people connections between the two countries.