INS Sunayna Returns to Kochi After Successful Month-Long Mission
Indian Navy’s inaugural initiative, the Indian Ocean Ship Sagar, has successfully concluded its month-long deployment in the South West Indian Ocean Region (SW IOR). The ship returned to Kochi on May 8, 2025, with a crew comprising personnel from nine Indian Ocean Region (IOR) navies. Vice Admiral V Srinivas, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, praised the collaborative efforts of the crew during a grand reception ceremony at the Naval Base in Kochi. This mission highlights India’s dedication to enhancing maritime cooperation and building enduring partnerships with IOR nations.
Flag-Off and Deployment Highlights
The Indian Ocean Ship Sagar was officially launched by the Honorable Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, from Karwar on April 5, 2025. Throughout its deployment, the ship made significant port calls at various locations, including Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, and Male. Key aspects of the mission included joint naval exercises, professional and cultural exchanges, as well as joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance of crucial IOR nations such as Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
A notable event during the deployment was the participation in the AIKEYME 2025 exercise, which took place from April 13 to 18, 2025, and was co-hosted by India and Tanzania. This exercise allowed the crew of IOS Sagar to engage in joint harbor activities and foster interactions with other participating navies. In Mozambique, the ship’s crew participated in various collaborative activities and community engagements, which aimed to enhance operational synergy and interoperability with the Mozambique Navy.
Strengthening Regional Ties
The mission also reinforced the strong relationship between India and Mauritius. The crew of IOS Sagar engaged in productive discussions with the Mauritius Police Force and conducted coordinated patrols with the Mauritius Coast Guard. The visit to Port Victoria in Seychelles included cross-deck visits, training exchanges, joint yoga sessions, and maritime engagements with the Seychelles Defence Force. Before returning to Kochi, the ship conducted a collaborative maritime security mission in the Maldives, further solidifying India’s commitment to regional outreach and maritime security.
This deployment serves as a testament to the Indian Navy’s ongoing engagement with regional navies and maritime security stakeholders in the IOR. The mission aimed to promote training, exchange best practices, and enhance interoperability and mutual understanding among the participating nations.
International Collaboration and Team Spirit
The mission was a unique experience for the 44 international crew members from nine partner nations, including Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Together with the Indian Navy crew, they exemplified the motto of “One Ocean One Mission.” The journey of IOS Sagar, which began with combined harbor and sea training at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi in March 2025, has been memorable for all involved.
The seamless integration of the international crew into a cohesive team reflects the spirit of camaraderie and maritime friendship. This mission underscores the Indian Navy’s role as a “First Responder” and “Preferred Security Partner” in the IOR, aligning with the Government of India’s strategic vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Region). The successful completion of this deployment marks a significant step forward in fostering maritime cooperation among IOR nations.
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