Indian Navy Squadron ends Kenya visit with joint exercise

New Delhi, Sep 30: The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Sujata, INS Shardul and ICGS Sarathi, departed Port Mombasa, Kenya, on 28 September 2025 after a three-day port call. The visit concluded with a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Kenya Navy’s KNS Shupavu, reinforcing maritime cooperation between the two countries.

During the stay, the navies engaged in professional exchanges, cross-training visits and joint drills, including damage control and firefighting exercises. Highlights included a combined naval band performance, a joint yoga session and a community outreach programme at an old age home.

Commanding Officers of the Indian ships paid courtesy calls on the Commander of the Kenya Navy. The Indian delegation also visited the Kenyan Navy Hospital’s Radiology Department, which houses a CT scan facility gifted by India. A deck reception on board INS Shardul brought together Kenyan officials, defence personnel and the Indian diaspora, while the ships were also opened to local visitors.

The visit, conducted under India’s “BAHARI” and “MAHASAGAR” maritime visions, provided valuable training exposure to young officers and underscored the Indian Navy’s commitment to collective maritime security, capacity building and sustained partnerships with nations of the Indian Ocean Region.