April 7 (JKNS): Indian Navy’s INS Sunayna, deployed under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, arrived at Male on April 6, marking the first port call of its operational deployment. The ship was warmly received by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), highlighting the enduring maritime partnership and close regional ties between India and the Maldives.
Indian Navy’s INS Sunayna, deployed under Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, arrived at Male on 06 Apr 2026, marking the first port call of her operational deployment. The ship was accorded a warm welcome by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), underscoring a strong and enduring maritime partnership, and close regional ties between the two nations.
Notably, two MNDF personnel are also part of the multinational crew embarked onboard.
During transit to Male, the international crew undertook intensive training in seamanship, small arms firing, and damage control drills – reflecting a strong emphasis on collective readiness, operational interoperability, and maritime cooperation. The deployment highlights Indian Navy’s continued commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships and capacity building across the Indian Ocean Region, thereby enhancing mutual trust and regional security.
On arrival, Shri G. Balasubramanian, High Commissioner of India to Maldives, visited the ship and interacted with the multinational crew. A range of professional and social interactions and sporting engagements are planned during the port call aimed at fostering closer cooperation and camaraderie. A Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the MNDF Coast Guard is also scheduled upon the ship’s departure.
IOS SAGAR, with international crew from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), is on deployment to the South East Indian Ocean Region, reinforcing India’s Neighbourhood First policy and the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
The ship was ceremonially flagged off from Mumbai on 02 Apr 2026 by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth. This initiative reflects the enduring vision of ‘One Ocean, One Mission,’ further strengthening maritime ties between India and its maritime neighbours. (JKNS)
