Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS) comprising INS Sujata and ICGS Veera departed from Sihanoukville, Cambodia on Feb 17, marking the conclusion of a successful visit, the Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday.

Bridges Of Friendship 

During the three-day visit, the Indian Navy engaged with the Royal Cambodian Navy on various fronts, forging deeper bonds and strengthening 'Bridges of Friendship'.

During the port call, Capt Anshul Kishore, Senior Officer, 1TS called on Admiral Tea Vinh, Commander, Royal Cambodian Navy (RCN) at Naval Headquarters, Phnom Penh.

The meeting was also attended by VCNS, DCNS, COL, and Chief of Operations of the RCN.

Discussions were held on issues of bilateral cross-training, interoperability, joint exercises, regional security, and goodwill activities.

Senior Officer, 1TS also called on Governor of Sihanoukville province and Rear Admiral Mey Dina, Commander, Ream Naval Base.

A Small Arms Simulator was handed over to the Royal Cambodian Army as a part of ongoing exchanges and defence engagement.

"Strengthening people-to-people ties, trainees of First Training Squadron and Royal Cambodian Navy participated in friendly sports fixtures enhancing camaraderie and mutual understanding," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Guided Walk Around 

A guided walk-around of the ships was organised for the Indian community at Sihanoukville.

"A reception was hosted onboard, which was attended by Ambassadors and diplomats of various countries, senior leadership of Royal Cambodian Navy and Army, along with other distinguished members of the Indian Diaspora," the statement said.

The goodwill visit of 1TS reaffirms bilateral engagement and enduring maritime partnership between India and Cambodia aligned with the vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region).