Instir, The Lead Ship of First Training Squadron 1ts Participated in Exercise Cutlass Express 2024 Held at Portvictoria, Seychelles from 26 Feb – 08 Mar 2024.

INSTIR, the lead ship of First Training Squadron 1TS participated in Exercise Cutlass Express 2024 held at Port Victoria, Seychelles from 26 Feb – 08 Mar 2024. The exercise was inaugurated by the President of Seychelles in attendance of dignitaries from India, USA and African countries. As part of Cutlass Express, Indian Navy actively engaged with participants from 16 friendly foreign countries. Training was conducted on aspects of Maritime Interdiction Operations, VBSS procedures and Diving Operations. During sea phase, the ship's VBSS team boarded Seychelles Coast Guard ship LE Vigilant and demonstrated procedures of Boarding Operations. The ship hosted Rear Admiral Calvin M Foster, Deputy Commander of US Navy 6th Fleet who shared his views on the importance of Maritime Cooperation and shared commitment in region, appreciating crucial role played by Indian Navy. The exercise culminated at a closing ceremony held at Seychelles Defence Academy, IIE Perseverance on 08 Mar 2024. The Indian Navy has been participating in exercise since 2019. Earlier INS Tir undertook Joint EEZ Surveillance with Seychelles Coast Guard from 01 – 03 Mar 2024. During the ship's stay at Seychelles, as part of long-range training deployment, professional exchanges, cross deck visits and friendly sports fixtures were held with Seychelles Defence Forces. Further, a philanthropic activity was also undertaken wherein provisions and stores were donated for the elderly. During Port Call, Senior Officer,1TS, Captain Anshul Kishore paid courtesy calls on Designated Minister Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Brig Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces – Seychelles Defence Force and Shri Kartik Pande, High Commissioner of India to Seychelles. As a goodwill gesture and cooperation, the ship handed over spares for SCGships and Aircraft towards capacity building. The extant deployment of INS Tir at Seychelles and participation in exercise Cutlass Express underscores close ties between Indian Navy and regional Navies towards JointTraining fostering Interoperability and building BridgesofFriendship.