INS Tir, the flagship of the First Training Squadron (1TS), joined Exercise Cutlass Express – 24 (CE – 24) held at Port Victoria, Seychelles from February 26 to March 08, 2024. The inauguration of the exercise was presided over by the President of Seychelles, with dignitaries from India, the USA, and African countries in attendance. Within the framework of Cutlass Express, the Indian Navy actively collaborated with participants from 16 friendly foreign nations. Training sessions covered both theoretical and practical aspects of Maritime Interdiction Operations, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) procedures, and diving operations. During the sea phase, the ship’s VBSS team conducted boarding operations on the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) vessel LE Vigilant, demonstrating their proficiency. Indian, US, and Seychelles divers conducted joint diving operations following an intensive training week. R Adm Calvin M Foster, Deputy Commander of the US Navy 6th Fleet, visited INS Tir and emphasized the importance of maritime cooperation and shared commitment in the region, acknowledging the pivotal role played by the Indian Navy. The exercise concluded with a closing ceremony at the Seychelles Defence Academy, Ile Perseverance, on March 08, 2024. The Indian Navy has been participating in Cutlass Express since 2019.
Prior to this, INS Tir engaged in joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Seychelles Coast Guard from March 01 to 03, 2024. During its stay in Seychelles as part of a long-range training deployment, professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, and friendly sports fixtures were organized with the Seychelles Defence Forces. The Indian Naval band performed at the National Museum, Port Victoria, entertaining a large audience. Additionally, a philanthropic initiative saw the donation of provisions and stores for the elderly.
During the port call, Captain Anshul Kishore, Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron, paid courtesy calls on designated officials including Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, Designated Minister and Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Brig Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces of the Seychelles Defence Force, and Shri Kartik Pande, High Commissioner of India to Seychelles. As a gesture of goodwill and cooperation, INS Tir provided spares for SCG ships and aircraft to enhance their capacity.
The ongoing deployment of INS Tir in Seychelles and its participation in Exercise Cutlass Express underscores the close ties between the Indian Navy and regional Navies, promoting joint training to enhance interoperability and foster friendships.
