In a significant move to enhance regional maritime security, the Indian Navy deployed INS Sunayna from Mumbai under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative.
The mission aims to promote international cooperation, joint training, and collective maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
Flag-Off and Key Highlights
The ship was flagged off by Sanjay Seth in the presence of Navy Chief Dinesh K Tripathi.
Key features of the mission:
- Participation of naval personnel from India and 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs)
- Focus on training, collaboration, and operational readiness
- Strengthening regional partnerships and maritime diplomacy
Vision Behind IOS SAGAR
The IOS SAGAR initiative reflects India’s broader maritime vision based on:
- “Leadership through partnership”
- “Strength through unity”
- “Progress through peace”
It aligns with India’s strategic frameworks such as:
- Neighbourhood First Policy
- Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions)
The mission reinforces India’s commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, as highlighted by Narendra Modi.
Mission Phases
The IOS SAGAR mission is being conducted in two phases:
1. Harbour Phase (March 16–29)
- Professional exchanges
- Joint training sessions
- Coordination among participating countries
2. Sea Phase (April 2 – May 20)
- Operational deployment in the South-Eastern Indian Ocean Region
- Real-time maritime exercises and cooperation
Key Port Calls
During the deployment, INS Sunayna will visit several strategic locations:
- Colombo
- Phuket
- Jakarta
- Singapore
- Chittagong
- Yangon
- Male
The mission will conclude at Kochi.
Training and Capacity Building
The crew will undergo extensive training in:
- Seamanship and navigation
- Communication procedures
- Maritime safety and firefighting
- Damage control
- VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) operations
- Advanced bridgemanship
These exercises aim to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency in complex maritime scenarios.
Conclusion
The deployment of INS Sunayna under IOS SAGAR marks a significant step in strengthening regional maritime cooperation and security. By bringing together multiple nations on a common platform, India is reinforcing its role as a key maritime partner in the Indo-Pacific region.