In a major milestone for maritime diplomacy and regional security cooperation, INS Sunayna, operating as IOS Sagar, returned to Kochi on Thursday after the successful completion of a month-long multinational deployment across the South Western Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The Indian Navy-led mission, flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from Karwar on April 5, was a part of the MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Region. This initiative is India’s strategic commitment to enhancing security and fostering collaboration among Indian Ocean littoral states.
The deployment was distinguished by the presence of a joint crew from nine IOR nations — Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania — marking a first-of-its-kind effort in regional naval integration under the banner of “One Ocean, One Mission.”
During the mission, INS Sunayna made port calls at Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, and Male, engaging in joint naval exercises, EEZ surveillance, professional exchanges, and community outreach programs. One of the key highlights was the ship’s participation in AIKEYME 2025, a bilateral maritime exercise jointly hosted by India and Tanzania alongside INS Chennai and INS Kesari.
In Mauritius and Seychelles, the crew conducted coordinated patrols, cross-deck visits, training exchanges, and symbolic cultural engagements such as joint yoga sessions, furthering interoperability and strengthening bonds with regional maritime forces.
Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, welcomed the returning crew and commended their efforts during a grand reception at the Naval Base in Kochi.
This mission not only enhanced India’s role as the Preferred Security Partner and First Responder in the Indian Ocean but also reaffirmed its long-term commitment to capacity building and maritime cooperation in the region.
