IOS SAGAR Mission Promotes Joint Training Among 16 Partner Navies

The Indian Navy’s vessel INS Sunayna has arrived at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base as part of the IOS SAGAR initiative. The port call marks another step in India’s efforts to enhance maritime cooperation in the region. According to the High Commission of India in Singapore, the High Commissioner visited the ship and interacted with naval personnel from partner navies of the Indian Ocean Region onboard. The visit highlighted the importance of strengthening maritime partnerships and promoting interoperability under the SAGAR vision. The IOS SAGAR mission is described as a unique initiative that enables naval personnel from partner countries to train and sail together onboard an Indian naval vessel. It reflects the broader MAHASAGAR vision, which focuses on mutual and holistic advancement for security and growth across regions through enhanced maritime collaboration. With the theme “One Ocean, One Mission,” IOS SAGAR brings together naval personnel from 16 partner navies, including Singapore, to participate in joint training and maritime exercises. The initiative underscores India’s commitment to fostering strong maritime security cooperation. The development also comes as 2026 is being observed as the India-ASEAN year, and the participation of ASEAN naval officers highlights growing defence and maritime ties between India and Southeast Asian nations. Earlier, on April 21, INS Sunayna reached Jakarta, marking its third port call in the Indian Ocean Region as part of its operational deployment. The offshore patrol vessel is deployed with a multinational crew from 16 friendly foreign countries. The Indian Navy stated that INS Sunayna had departed from Phuket on April 17 after completing a high-tempo three-day operational turnaround, marking the successful conclusion of its second port call during the ongoing deployment. After completing its harbour phase in India in March, the vessel is currently undergoing its sea phase from April to May, which includes multiple port calls in friendly foreign countries across the Indian Ocean Region.