🌟 INS SUNAYNA (iOS Sagar) 🌟

The Indian Ocean Ship Sagar, jointly crewed by personnel from nine IOR Navies, successfully completed its 30-day CAPSULE DEPLOYMENT in the SW Indian Ocean Region and returned to Kochi on August 8th, 2025. The remarkable success of this milestone marks a significant step in reinforcing India’s commitment to Regional Security and Collaborative Maritime Cooperation (RSC/CMM). It also highlights MAHASAGARSagar Mission’s vision of ‘I Am the First Responder’ and ‘Preferred Security Partner’ for IOR, underscoring India’s enduring engagement with regional navies.

The Journey: A Capsule of the DEPLOYMENT

On August 8th, the Indian Ocean Ship Sagar embarked on its iconic journey, marking a milestone in maritime collaboration. The ship, which departed Kochi from the esteemed Indian Navy Base Kochi, began its voyage through strategic port calls at Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, and Male.

The capsule deployment included:

• Joint naval exercises: A series of collaborative exercises between the Indian Ocean Ship Sagar and nine IOR Navies to strengthen maritime cooperation.
• Professional & cultural exchanges: Opportunities for crew members from India and nine navies to engage with each other in a jointly beneficial way.
• Joint EEZ surveillance: Key interactions between the ship’s crew and key IOR Nations—Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, & Seychelles.

The ship also participated in AIKEYME 2025 alongside INS Chennai and INS Kesari, hosted by India and Tanzania from April 13–18, 2025. It provided a platform for Indian Navy crew to engage in joint maritime security and regional outreach missions with nations like Maldives.

The journey was further enriched by:

• Cruiser patrols at Port Victoria & Seychelles, fostering maritime collaboration between India and the Mauritius Defense Force.
• One Ocean One Mission travels: A unique experience for the crew of iOS Sagar, who had the opportunity to participate in joint harbour and sea training while working alongside Indian Navy crew.

The Journey’s End: Reflections on a Larger Scale

For many aboard iOS Sagar, this deployment was more than just a milestone—it marked a significant step toward strengthening India’s commitment to regional navies and maritime security. The crew of the ship had the opportunity to collaborate with nine navies, participate in joint exercises, and engage with key IOR nations through interactive activities.

The ship held collaborative maritime security and regional outreach missions at Maldives, prior to its arrival in Kochi. This demonstrated the Indian Navy’s dedication to building partnerships and mutual understanding among participating navies.

As the crew of iOS Sagar navigated their journey back home, they reflected on a world where cruisers like iOS Sagar continue to play an integral role in maritime security and regional cooperation.

A Heartwarming Message for the Future

In a world where moral values are constantly evolving, iOS Sagar represents one step toward a future where India’s commitment to Regional Security and Collaborative Maritime Cooperation remains unwavering.

As we continue on this journey, let us remember that the Indian Ocean Ship Sagar has already proven its worth as a symbol of strength, resilience, and collaboration in the ever-changing sea realm.