Indian Navy's First Training Squadron leaves Colombo after a passage exercise with the Sri Lanka Navy
29 October 2026
The First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy, made up of INS Tir, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi, left Colombo on 29 October 2026 after completing a port visit. The squadron's senior officer and the commanding officers called on the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy's Western Naval Area, and the two navies held military discussions. Indian trainees visited the Naval and Maritime Academy at Trincomalee and Sri Lanka Navy cadets from the Academy toured the squadron's ships. Indian Navy personnel joined a beach cleaning drive, and the ships were open to visitors including local residents and the Indian diaspora. On departure the squadron carried out a passage exercise, or PASSEX, with the Sri Lanka Navy ship SLNS Nandimitra. The Ministry of Defence said the visit supports the MAHASAGAR vision of regional security and growth across regions.
In plain words
PASSEX Passage Exercise — A short naval exercise two navies hold when their ships pass each other, to practise basic joint drills.
MAHASAGAR Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — India's stated maritime vision for security and growth cooperation with partner countries in the region.