Indian training squadron leaves Colombo after naval exchanges

The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron departed Colombo on October 29 after a port call involving training exchanges with the Sri Lanka Navy. On departure, INS Tir, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard ship Sarathi conducted a passage exercise with Sri Lankan ship Nandimithra, the Defence Ministry said in an October 30 release. ## Training exchanges during the visit Indian sea trainees visited the Naval and Maritime Academy at Trincomalee and interacted with their Sri Lankan counterparts. Sri Lankan cadets also visited the squadron’s ships to learn about their training facilities and activities. The squadron’s senior officer and commanding officers met the Sri Lanka Navy’s Western Naval Area commander. The ministry described the discussions and trainee interactions as part of continuing bilateral maritime cooperation. ## Passage exercise completed The departure exercise, known as PASSEX, involved coordinated maritime manoeuvres. The ministry said it supported operational coordination and interoperability between the two maritime forces. The release gives no duration or detailed list of exercise serials. During the port call, Indian personnel also joined a beach clean-up, and the ships opened to local visitors and members of the Indian diaspora. The confirmed development is the conclusion of the visit and the passage exercise; the release does not announce a new defence agreement or deployment commitment. Source: Ministry of Defence, through Press Information Bureau, October 30, 2026, release 2330320; departure took place October 29.

Indian training squadron leaves Colombo after naval exchanges

Training exchanges during the visit

Passage exercise completed

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