In a significant step to deepen its maritime diplomacy, IOS SAGAR arrived in Malé, Maldives, marking the first port call of its overseas deployment. The second edition of the Indian Navy initiative towards continued cooperation with Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations. As part of this, INS Sunayna arrived in Male on Sunday (April 5, 2026).
The deployment stands out for its multinational character, with 39 international crew members from 16 countries, including personnel from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), sailing alongside the Indian Navy.
Sharing the development, the Indian Embassy in Maldives said, “IOS SAGAR with 39 international crew from 16 countries incl. MNDF personnel arrives at Male’, Maldives – marking first port call of its overseas deployment & reflection of India’s vision of ‘leadership through partnership, strength through unity, progress through peace’.”
IOS Sagar 2026: INS Sunayna Male port call
INS Sunayna, a Saryu-class Offshore Patrol Vessel, is currently manned by a multinational contingent from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) and was received with full naval honours by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
Prior to making the Male port call, INS Sunayna and MNDF Coast Guard assets completed intensive Joint Seamanship Training manoeuvres. The at-sea phase focused on tactical station-keeping, advanced signalling, and extensive small arms firing for the crew. Further, Damage Control and Firefighting Drills were also progressed.
The visit is part of a broader deployment aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and interoperability. “The three-day stay will facilitate Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) to consolidate maritime domain awareness.” Reaffirming India’s commitment to the Maldives, the Navy said, “The visit to Male further emphasises India’s role as the ‘First Responder’ and a trusted partner in the Maldives’ developmental and security journey.”
What is IOS SAGAR and why is it important?
The Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative is a unique operational engagement programme designed to bring together naval personnel from Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) onboard an Indian naval platform. It aims to promote joint training and interoperability, build shared maritime understanding, and strengthen regional security cooperation.
The initiative reflects India’s broader maritime vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and its expanded framework MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions).
What is special about the second edition of IOS SAGAR?
The second edition of IOS SAGAR, which commenced last month on March 16, 2026, comes at a crucial time when India has assumed the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). This edition includes participation from 16 IONS nations, making it one of the most diverse and collaborative naval engagements in the region.
The Ministry of Defence highlighted that the initiative builds on India’s long-standing maritime partnerships and aims to create a cooperative security architecture in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
What activities are part of the IOS SAGAR programme?
The programme is structured in two key phases:
- Training Phase in India
Conducted at naval establishments in Kochi
Covers seamanship, naval operations, and maritime security concepts
- At-Sea Operational Deployment
Multinational crew sails onboard an Indian naval ship
Participates in real-time operational drills and exercises
Engages in port visits and maritime exchanges across the region
These activities are designed to enhance practical cooperation, improve coordination during real-world scenarios, and build long-term professional linkages.
How does this strengthen India’s role in the Indian Ocean?
The IOS SAGAR deployment underscores India’s intent to position itself as a reliable maritime security partner in the Indian Ocean. By integrating foreign naval personnel into its operations, India is expanding its strategic outreach to littoral nations, enhancing collective maritime readiness, and countering growing geopolitical competition in the region.
The initiative also complements India’s increasing naval engagements across Africa’s eastern coast, island nations, and Southeast Asia.
With rising strategic competition and security challenges in the Indian Ocean, initiatives like IOS SAGAR play a critical role in ensuring safe sea lanes and maritime stability, addressing shared threats like piracy, trafficking, and disasters, along with building trust and interoperability among partner navies.