First (01st) Training Squadron of Indian Navy departs the island after successful bilateral naval exercise

The training ships of the 01st Training Squadron of the Indian Navy; INS ‘Shardul’, ‘Magar’, ‘Sujata’, ‘Sudarshini’, ‘Tarangini’ and ICGS ‘Vikram’ which arrived in Sri Lanka for a bilateral naval exercise on 28th October 2021, departed the island on 27th and 28th October 2021, on successful completion of naval exercises held in Colombo and Trincomalee.

Besides, Flag Officer Commander - in – Chief Southern Naval Command Indian Navy, Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla who arrived in Sri Lanka on an official visit in parallel with the bilateral naval exercise, also left the island today. During his visit, Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla met with Foreign Secretary, Commander of the Air Force and Commanders of Eastern and Southern Naval Areas. Further, he took time off to attend several programmes organized by the National Defence College and Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee as well.

The bilateral naval exercise focused on the enhancement of interoperability between the two navies as partners committed to the security of the Indian Ocean region, exchange of best practices, coordination to overcoming common maritime challenges and conduct of maritime search and rescue operations in accordance with international maritime treaties.

The bilateral naval exercise was held adhering to COVID-19 protocols on a virtual setting. During the exercise, a selected group of Indian naval personnel took part in a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) training programme at Rapid Action Boat Squadron Headquarters and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) training in the ‘Ship in the Box’ simulator at the Special Boat Squadron Headquarters in Trincomalee. The participants attended these events in groups and in strict compliance health and security guidelines and arrangements have been made for the rest to watch the proceedings virtually.

Meanwhile, a Hello Landing exercise on INS Sujata was conducted for SLN personnel of the Naval Fleet Command at Trincomalee harbour. Exchange of best practices in this nature of programmes will be instrumental for the success of maritime operations conducted by the two navies to overcome the non-traditional and common maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean region.

The sail training ships INS Sudarshini and Tarangini of the 01st Training Squadron of Indian Navy encompass all the facilities required to impart traditional basic naval knowledge in sail training. The sail ship familiarization for SLN Officer Cadets at the Naval and Maritime Academy provided them a rare opportunity in life time to be conversant with such vessels.

Enhancing camaraderie between the navies of both countries a yoga programme was conducted in Colombo and Trincomalee and a friendly volleyball match was played at the Naval and Maritime Academy with the participation of men from both navies. The personnel of the 01st Training Squadron of Indian Navy visited several tourist attractions in the country under the bio-bubble concept and that left a positive sign for the resurgence of tourism in Sri Lanka.

Concluding tour events, INS Shardul and Magar belong to the 01st Training Squadron of Indian Navy conducted a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Sri Lanka Navy Ship (SLNS) Samudura and Nandimithra off Colombo and left the island on 27th October. Meanwhile, Sujata, Sudarshini, Tarangini and ICGS Vikram also conducted a naval exercise with SLNS Sindurala off the eastern coast and set sail today (28th October).

In the bilateral naval exercise; Search and Rescue (SAR), Divisional Tactics (DIVTACS), Station Keeping by Distance Line (SKBDL), Replenishment at Sea (RAS) and Communication exercises took centre stage. Further, Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing Indian naval ships in compliance with naval traditions.

The naval exercise was held under ‘non-contact, at sea only’ guidelines adhering to COVID-19 protocols and it made both partners to hone their knowledge and skills.