How Did the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron Enhance Ties with Mozambique?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Joint training enhances operational interoperability.
- Community outreach involved over 1,000 school children.
- Significant medical assistance provided to the local community.
- High-level interactions emphasize growing defense cooperation.
- Visit reinforces India's maritime partnerships with African nations.
New Delhi, Sep 21 (NationPress) The four-day port visit of the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS) to Maputo, Mozambique, centered on joint training aimed at improving operational interoperability, an official reported on Sunday.
In a demonstration of lasting maritime friendship, the 1TS, which includes INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi, wrapped up its port visit to Maputo on Friday, according to the official.
Throughout this deployment, 1TS participated in various joint training exercises designed to enhance operational interoperability with the Mozambique Navy.
These activities included Joint Diving Operations, Firefighting, VBSS Ops, and Bridge Machinery Control integration drills. The cross-training visit of Indian Navy trainees to the Marine Commando School at Katembe, Sargent School at Boane, and the Army Practicing School at Manhica fostered mutual understanding and cooperation. Additionally, Mozambique Navy personnel joined 1TS ships for joint EEZ surveillance.
Capt Tijo K Joseph, the Senior Officer of 1TS, along with Commanding Officers of the visiting ships, made courtesy calls to Rear Admiral Eugenio Dias Da Silva Muatuca, the Chief of the Mozambique Navy; Maj Gen Ezequiel Muianga, Inspector of FADM; and Col Candido Jose Tirano, Commandant of the Maputo Air Force Base.
These high-level discussions highlighted the growing defense collaboration between the two nations, as stated in an official release.
A significant aspect of the deployment included community outreach. Over 1,000 school children toured the ships, gaining insights into the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy.
A medical camp was established at the Naval Headquarters in Mozambique and a local hospital in Maputo, where more than 100 patients received medical attention. An awareness campaign focused on the prevention of critical diseases, emergency response, and first aid was also conducted.
Joint yoga sessions and a friendly futsal match further enhanced camaraderie between the two Navies.
As the 1TS departs for Mombasa, this visit solidifies bilateral relations and reinforces a renewed commitment to peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region. This port call strengthens India's maritime partnership with African nations.
The visit reaffirmed the Indian Navy's dedication to bolstering maritime partnerships through joint training and capacity development, guided by the vision of MAHASAGAR - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.