First Training Squadron in Seychelles | UPSC Current Affairs 2025.

The First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles on 2nd September 2025 as part of its overseas deployment. This visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and aligns with India’s vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)”

Key Highlights of the Visit

• Ships Involved: INS Tir, INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and Coast Guard Ship Sarathi form the core of the First Training Squadron.
• Objective: Enhance naval cooperation, conduct training exchanges, and promote people-to-people ties between India and Seychelles.
• Duration: The squadron will engage in professional interactions, sports exchanges, and cultural events during the port call.
• Strategic Significance: Seychelles is a critical maritime partner for India, located near major sea lanes of communication in the Western Indian Ocean.

Significance for India–Seychelles Relations

1. Maritime Security: Both nations cooperate to curb piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime terrorism.
2. Capacity Building: India assists Seychelles with naval training, patrol vessels, and defense equipment.
3. Diplomatic Ties: Seychelles plays a key role in India’s Indian Ocean outreach, complementing initiatives like the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).
4. Infrastructure Support: India has previously extended support in building coastal surveillance radar systems in Seychelles.

Relevance for UPSC

• GS Paper II (International Relations): Strengthening India’s maritime diplomacy and neighborhood-first policy.
• GS Paper III (Security): Blue economy, maritime security, and India’s role in the IOR.
• Essay/Interview: India’s SAGAR vision and Indo-Pacific strategy.

India’s SAGAR Vision and the IOR

• SAGAR (2015) emphasizes regional cooperation for sustainable maritime growth.
• Deployment of training squadrons helps project India as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.
• The Seychelles visit reinforces trust-building in the Western Indian Ocean, countering China’s growing influence through its String of Pearls strategy.

Practice Question for UPSC

Q. Discuss the strategic importance of Seychelles in India’s maritime diplomacy. How does the visit of the First Training Squadron strengthen India’s SAGAR vision? (250 words)

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