As part of India’s ongoing commitment to regional maritime security, INS Sunayna (deployed as Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR) arrived at the Changi Naval Base, Singapore, on April 26, 2026. This marks the fourth significant port call during its current mission under the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) framework.
Highlights of the Deployment
Multinational Presence: The ship carries a diverse crew representing 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), showcasing a collaborative approach to Indian Ocean security.
Previous Stops: Before reaching Singapore, the vessel completed successful port calls in Malé (Maldives), Phuket (Thailand), and Jakarta (Indonesia).
Diplomatic Engagement: India’s High Commissioner to Singapore, HE Dr. Shilpak Ambule, visited the crew to commend their role in fostering international interoperability and maritime partnerships.
Key Activities in Singapore
The visit has been characterized by both professional exchange and community outreach:
Commemoration: Commanding Officer Cdr Siddharth Chaudhary laid a wreath at the Kranji War Memorial to honor fallen soldiers.
Naval Cooperation: High-level discussions were held with Col Chuah Meng Soon (Commander, 9th Flotilla, RSN) to explore deeper maritime synergy between India and Singapore.
Community Outreach: * The ship hosted schoolchildren and social media influencers to provide insight into naval life.
On April 27, a marathon titled ‘One Ocean, One Mission’ was held with the Indian diaspora to promote regional unity.
Professional Exchange: The crew is scheduled to visit the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) advanced navigation simulators, the Navy Museum, and the Information Fusion Centre to exchange best practices.
Strategic Context
The mission of INS Sunayna aligns with India’s broader SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. By engaging with think tanks and conducting joint Yoga sessions and deck receptions, the deployment seeks to strengthen the “collective security” architecture of the Indian Ocean.