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Source — Source: PIB ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-01-28 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — International Relations, Maritime Security, Act East Policy ///Source — Source: PIB ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-01-28 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — International Relations, Maritime Security, Act East Policy ///

Source: PIB · GS Paper 2

Indian Navy's First Training Squadron Visits Thailand

India's First Training Squadron (INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi) docked at Phuket Deep Sea Port, underscoring deepening maritime cooperation with Thailand. The visit aligns with the ASEAN‑India Year of Maritime Cooperation and India's chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, reflecting the Act East and maritime diplomacy thrusts.

2026-01-28

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Source: PIB

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Key Facts and Data Points

Ships involved: INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata (Navy) and ICGS Sarathi (Coast Guard) – collectively termed 1TS (First Training Squadron).
Port of call: Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand (28 Jan 2026).
Strategic backdrop: 2026 marked the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation.
Leadership role: India assumed the Chair of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from Thailand in February 2026.
Exercises conducted: Professional exchanges, Passage Exercise (PASSEX), and bilateral/trilateral drills.
Existing initiatives: Ex Ayutthaya, Indo‑Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT), and the trilateral SITMEX (India‑Thailand‑Singapore).
Policy alignment: Supports MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

Background and Context

India’s Act East Policy seeks to deepen ties with Southeast Asian nations through economic, cultural, and security engagements.
The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is a critical maritime corridor for trade and energy supplies; ensuring its security is a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy.
Regular naval interactions, such as PASSEX and CORPAT, enhance interoperability, trust, and collective response capabilities against non‑traditional threats (piracy, smuggling, humanitarian crises).

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

Strategic signalling: The deployment projects India as a responsible maritime stakeholder, counterbalancing other extra‑regional powers.
Operational readiness: Joint exercises improve crew proficiency, logistics coordination, and tactical doctrines.
Diplomatic leverage: Reinforces bilateral ties with Thailand, a key ASEAN member, and strengthens multilateral frameworks like IONS and SITMEX.
Economic impact: Secure sea lanes boost trade flows, benefitting India’s export‑import dynamics.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

Article 246 (Union List) empowers the Centre to legislate on defence and naval matters.
Maritime Zones Act, 1976 and Indian Territorial Waters Act, 1976 provide the legal basis for naval operations and patrols.
Strategic Partnership Agreements with ASEAN nations, including the India‑ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Framework, guide cooperative activities.

References

India‑Thailand Relations