Captain Anshul Kishore (L), commanding officer of Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron, being welcomed by an Islamic Republic of Iran Navy captain in Bandar Abbas. (Photo: Embassy of India in Iran)
New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) made a port call at Iran’s Bandar Abbas, on Monday. This visit, involving Indian naval ships INS Tir, INS Shardul, and the Coast Guard vessel ICGS Veera, is part of a long-range training deployment in the Persian Gulf. The Indian contingent was ceremonially welcomed by the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (Iranian Navy), which included the escort by IRI Naval Ship Zereh.
Later, the commanding officer of the 1TS Captain Anshul Kishore, called on Commodore Ghader Vazife, commander of IRI Navy’s First Naval Region.
First Training Sqdn ships @indiannavy ships Tir, Shardul and @IndianCoastGuard ship Veera entered Bandar Abbas port for Long Range Training Deployment on 30 Sep 2024. The ships were received ceremonially by IRI Navy's First Naval District and the Naval Attache from E/I@MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/ufsd9JrQdN
— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) September 30, 2024
The 1TS’s visit to Iran is viewed as an important step in advancing maritime cooperation and enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations and furthering India’s broader commitment to strengthening maritime security in the region, particularly through exercises designed to promote interoperability.
Captain Anshul Kishore, Senior Officer, 1TS called on Commodore Ghader Vazife, Commander IRI Navy's First Naval Region pic.twitter.com/Jgw4JpuEi3
— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) September 30, 2024
This visit follows a reciprocal visit by Iranian naval vessels to India earlier in February 2024, emphasizing ongoing naval diplomacy between the two nations. Iranian Training Flotilla ships Bushehr and Tonb visited Mumbai, and the Iranian Naval Ship Dena participated in the multinational Milan – 2024 exercise.
According to the Navy, the visit will witness professional exchanges, cross-training, friendly sports fixtures, and a maritime partnership exercise (MPX) to bolster cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Iran Navy.
Indian naval vessels have arrived at Bandar Abbas to begin conducting joint exercises and naval drills with the Iranian Navy in the Persian Gulf.
— ساسان ?? (@eghtesadnia) September 30, 2024
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The timing of the visit is especially notable, given the heightened tensions in West Asia, particularly between Iran and Israel, following recent escalations in the region. With the Middle East at the brink of broader conflict, the presence of the Indian Navy in Iran signals India’s commitment to maintaining regional stability and fostering peace through dialogue and cooperation.
The visit is also seen as India’s commitment towards its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy, which aims to promote regional maritime security while ensuring the safety of international sea lanes, crucial for energy and trade flows through the Persian Gulf.
The visit to Bandar Abbas also carries strategic weight as it comes amid Iran’s expanding geopolitical influence in the region, exacerbated by the ongoing Israel-Iran tensions. Despite the volatile environment, the Navy’s focus on enhancing maritime security, maintaining open communication channels, and reinforcing its partnerships reflects India’s balanced approach towards complex regional dynamics.
