Second edition of IOS SAGAR begins, INS Sunayna again to be part of mission

The second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, a mission that seeks to reaffirm India’s commitment to building stronger ties with its maritime neighbours, has begun, according to officials.

The initiative builds on India’s long-standing maritime cooperation efforts and reflects the government of India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), while also advancing the broader framework of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions), a spokesperson of the Indian Navy said on Wednesday.

“Reaffirming India’s commitment to collaborative maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, the second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR commenced on March 16. The Indian Navy assumed the chair of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Feb 2026. Therefore, this edition includes participation from 16 IONS nations of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR),” he said.

IOS SAGAR is designed as a unique operational engagement programme that enables naval personnel from friendly foreign countries to train and sail together onboard an Indian naval ship. By integrating international participants into shipboard activities and professional training modules, the initiative promotes practical cooperation, interoperability and shared understanding of maritime operations, he said.

As part of the current edition of IOS SAGAR, naval personnel from 16 friendly foreign countries will participate in the programme, the Navy said. The programme will commence with professional training interactions at Indian naval training establishments in Kochi, where participants will be exposed to key aspects of naval operations, seamanship practices and maritime security concepts.

This phase will be followed by deployment onboard INS Sunayna, where international participants will sail together with Indian Navy personnel and take part in operational activities at sea, the spokesperson said, adding it this phase will begin off the coast of Mumbai. During the voyage, the ship will undertake maritime engagement activities and port visits, enabling interaction with partner navies and maritime agencies across the region, the spokesperson said.

These engagements are intended to strengthen professional linkages, encourage exchange of best practices and foster a deeper understanding of shared maritime challenges, he said. In May 2025, after nearly a month-long deployment in the south-west Indian Ocean Region, IOS SAGAR had returned home, with the Navy saying it marked a “new chapter” in maritime cooperation and underscored India’s commitment to safeguarding collective maritime interests.