Force Multiplier: A Review of India’s Naval Outreach in the Indian Ocean Region
Over the first ten days of February 2026, India carried out a coordinated set of deployments and bilateral engagements across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This activity reflects the continued operationalisation of the MAHASAGAR vision—India’s evolving framework to strengthen maritime awareness, expand logistics access, and deepen capacity-building partnerships across the region.
While diplomatic announcements often draw headlines, the more consequential story lies in the steady consolidation of India’s maritime footprint across three critical theaters–the Western IOR, the Strait of Malacca approaches, and the Southern Island Arc.
Western Sector: The Duqm Logistics Pivot
The arrival of INS Sudarshini at Salalah, Oman, on February 5 marked an international milestone of the Lokayan 26 expedition. The three-masted sail training vessel, built by Goa Shipyard Limited, is undertaking a long-duration voyage aimed at professional seamanship training and maritime goodwill outreach.
Oman remains central to India’s western maritime engagement. The Duqm Port arrangement provides the Indian Navy access to maintenance and logistics facilities, enabling sustained deployments in the Western IOR. This agreement has enhanced operational reach and flexibility for Indian naval assets operating in the region.
Bilateral exercises such as Naseem Al Bahr continue to strengthen interoperability between the two navies, covering areas such as maritime security operations and coordinated manoeuvres.
Eastern Corridor: Maritime Engagement with Malaysia
On February 8, India and Malaysia signed 11 Memoranda of Understanding across sectors including defence cooperation, semiconductors, digital infrastructure, disaster management and capacity-building.
Joint naval exercises such as Samudra Laksamana continue to enhance interoperability and coordinated maritime operations between the two countries. These engagements contribute to securing Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) that are critical to regional and global trade.
India and Malaysia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024, providing an institutional framework for expanded defence and maritime cooperation. Malaysia’s geographic location along the Strait of Malacca makes it a key maritime partner under India’s Act East policy.
Southern Arc: Capacity-Building in Seychelles
On February 9, India announced a $175 million special economic package for Seychelles, comprising a $125 million Line of Credit and a $50 million grant. The support aligns with ongoing cooperation in maritime security and development assistance.
Seychelles’ participation in the Colombo Security Conclave reflects India’s effort to promote cooperative maritime security architecture in the southern IOR, particularly in areas such as Maritime Domain Awareness and coordinated patrols.
HADR as Core Capability: Operation Sagar Bandhu
India’s engagement with Sri Lanka around its 78th Independence Day underscored its role as a regional first responder. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched in response to Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025, India delivered ten Bailey bridges aboard INS Gharial to assist post-cyclone reconstruction.
India was among the first responders following the cyclone, deploying disaster-response teams and relief material. The continued infrastructure assistance reflects sustained humanitarian and disaster-relief cooperation between the two countries.
Strategic Outlook: MILAN 2026
The cumulative effect of these engagements contributes to strengthening cooperative maritime security frameworks across the IOR. MILAN 2026, scheduled to take place in February at Visakhapatnam, will bring together numerous navies for multilateral exercises and dialogue, reinforcing India’s role as a facilitator of maritime cooperation.
