The Graduation Ceremony of the 18th Foreign Air Operations Course and the Torch Ceremony of the 20th Qualified Naval Instructor (QNI) Course were held at the Naval Air Operations School under the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.
The ceremony marked the successful graduation of three officers from friendly foreign countries—Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Bangladesh—who completed the specialised course and qualified as Air Operations Officers.
The programme is part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts to enhance professional military cooperation and capacity building with partner nations through advanced training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The graduating officers underwent comprehensive training in naval air operations, equipping them with the expertise required to plan, coordinate and manage aviation operations in maritime environments.
In another highlight of the event, the coveted Qualified Naval Instructor (QNI) Torch was awarded to two Indian Navy officers on the successful completion of the 20th Qualified Naval Instructor Course.
The QNI qualification is regarded as a prestigious achievement within the Indian Navy, recognising officers who have demonstrated exceptional instructional skills and professional competence required to train future generations of naval personnel.
The ceremony underscored the Indian Navy’s commitment to fostering excellence in professional military education while strengthening defence ties with friendly foreign nations through specialised training programmes.
By training officers from partner countries and developing highly qualified instructors within its own ranks, the Indian Navy continues to contribute to regional maritime cooperation, interoperability and the exchange of professional expertise across the Indo-Pacific region.
