New Delhi/Chilika: The Indian Navy will hold the passing out parade of the ninth batch of its Agniveers at INS Chilka November 13, making it the largest batch to pass out from the premier naval training establishment, officials said Monday.
Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan will be the chief guest and reviewing officer at the parade.
“INS Chilka, the premier ab initio training establishment, will conduct the passing out parade of the ninth batch of Agniveers of the Indian Navy and Naviks of the Indian Coast Guard November 13,” the defence ministry said in a statement.
The parade will mark the successful completion of 16 weeks of ab initio training of more than 3,300 trainees, making it the largest batch to pass out from INS Chilka, it said.
It will also mark the culmination of an intensive training programme designed to transform young recruits into disciplined, physically agile, mentally resilient and professionally competent sea warriors, the officials said.
The training curriculum integrates academics, physical conditioning, swimming, outdoor activities and camp, and parade training, providing a holistic foundation for the trainees’ professional journey.
Equal emphasis is laid on character building, leadership, discipline, camaraderie and teamwork, while instilling the core naval values of duty, honour and courage, the statement said.
The passing out parade will be a moment of pride and accomplishment for the trainees, as their families witness the culmination of training journey and beginning of a new career, it said.
Naval veterans and distinguished guests will also be present on the occasion.
The valedictory function will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.
Awards will be presented to meritorious trainees, the champion division and best instructor in recognition of their exemplary performance and contribution to training, the statement said.
In a major overhaul of the military recruitment scheme, the government November 4 announced that Agniveers set to exit the military at the end of their four-year tenure will be given a two-year extension and subsequent permanent recruitment subject to meeting specific eligibility criteria.
In a separate statement, the defence ministry said INS Surat reached Muscat, Oman, Sunday to participate in the 15th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr (Sea Breeze), followed by a coordinated patrol (CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.
The exercise will comprise professional activities during the harbour and sea phases, including cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting events.
The activities will provide opportunities for personnel of both navies to exchange experiences and best practices, enhance interoperability and foster greater mutual understanding, the statement said.
The port call underscores the strong and enduring maritime partnership between India and Oman, founded on longstanding ties between the two nations, it said.
It is in consonance with the government’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and provides an opportunity to build upon the momentum generated during the 13th Joint Military Cooperation Committee meeting held in November 2025, the ministry said.
