The Indian Navy marked the successful culmination of the landmark IOS SAGAR deployment with the flag-in of INS Sunayna at Kochi on 20 May 2026, following an extensive multinational deployment across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The joint mission with 38 personnel from 16 partner nations stands as a significant demonstration of India’s emergence as the Preferred Security Partner in the region and its enduring commitment towards strengthening maritime collaboration, interoperability, and capacity building amongst IOR navies.

The deployment, jointly undertaken by the Indian Navy and partner nations (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Maldives, Mozambique, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor Leste, and United Arab Emirates) represents one of the most comprehensive multinational operational engagements conducted in the region.

Embodying the spirit of ‘One Ocean, One Mission’, IOS SAGAR showcased the Indian Navy’s commitment towards fostering an inclusive, cooperative, and rules-based maritime order through sustained regional engagement and operational collaboration.

The mission also reflected the vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through India’s maritime initiatives SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), aimed at ensuring collective security, regional stability and cooperative maritime growth across the IOR.

INS Sunayna was ceremonially received with water cannon salutes on her return to Kochi harbour. Escorted by Naval Fast Interceptor Craft, the ship was warmly received by senior naval officers at Southern Naval Command. Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOCINC), Southern Naval Command VAdm. Sameer Saxena was the Chief Guest for the flag-in ceremony of IOS Sagar. On arrival of the ship, FOCINC South commended the multinational crew for their professionalism, seamless integration, and exceptional teamwork throughout the prolonged deployment.

Addressing personnel during the ceremony, FOCINC South highlighted that IOS SAGAR reflects the Indian Navy’s proactive approach towards facilitating interoperability between partner navies and enhancing coordinated maritime responses to emerging security challenges in the IOR. He emphasised that sustained collaborative engagement and operational synergy amongst regional maritime forces are essential to ensure a secure, stable, and prosperous maritime environment.

He also underscored that the deployment significantly enhanced interoperability, operational coordination, and mutual understanding through joint training, professional exchanges, and collaborative operational activities. Such engagements strengthen the collective capability of regional navies to effectively counter non-traditional maritime threats including piracy, illegal fishing, arms and narcotics trafficking, smuggling, and other unlawful activities at sea.

IOS Sagar was flagged off from Mumbai on 2 April 2026 by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth. During the deployment, the ship undertook port calls at Malé, Phuket, Jakarta, Singapore, Yangon, Chattogram, and Colombo.

The deployment featured a wide spectrum of collaborative engagements including passage exercises, cross-deck interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, coordinated seamanship evolutions, maritime security discussions, and professional interactions with partner navies and maritime agencies. These engagements reinforced shared commitment towards maintaining maritime safety, security, and freedom of navigation in the IOR.

Prior to the deployment, the multinational crew underwent comprehensive harbour training at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, covering seamanship, navigation, firefighting, damage control, communication procedures, VBSS operations, and advanced Bridgemanship. The crew also participated in the IONS Maritime Exercise IMEX 2026 Table Top Exercise at Kochi, further enhancing professional interoperability and operational preparedness.

The successful completion of IOS SAGAR marks a defining milestone in India’s maritime outreach and regional engagement initiatives, reaffirming the Indian Navy’s continued commitment towards building trusted partnerships, enhancing collective maritime capability, and promoting cooperative security across the IOR.