Indian navy deploys first training squad in Phuket

Thailand, which shares a maritime boundary with India, is important for the success of India’s ‘Act East Policy’. India’s naval ships Tir and Sujata, and sail-training ship Sudarshini along with Indian Coast Guard’s Varuna, reached Phuket in Thailand as part of an overseas deployment on April 4. The first training squadron, which forms a part of the Southern Naval Command, will stay in Phuket till April 8. The main focus of the Squadron is to impart sea training to naval and Coast Guard trainees, with a 24-week ab initio sea training. Imparting sea training to naval and Coast Guard trainees of both the countries is the primary aim of the Squadron.  “All the participants are trained in seamanship, navigation, ship handling, boat work, technical aspects among other disciplines, while being exposed to the rigours of life at sea, so as to earn their ‘sea legs’,” a naval spokesperson said. India and Thailand have been enhancing maritime cooperation in recent years. The two countries have been focusing on combating piracy in the Indian Ocean region. The Southern Naval Command (SNC), which is the Training Command of the Indian Navy, provides both basic and advanced training to its officers and sailors. The Indian Navy also provides training to personnel from foreign countries. India has trained more than 13,000 personnel from more than 40 countries. India and Thailand have a broad partnership covering a wide spectrum of activities and interactions, which have strengthened over the years. The joint training activities with Thailand will also help in countering China’s assertiveness in the region. “The deployment of Training Squadron to Phuket provides opportunities for extensive maritime engagement, maintenance of good order at sea and further cementing of the close relations between the two nations and the two navies,” the Indian Navy said in a statement.