Indian Navy’s INS Sunayna reaches Malé on first port call Under IOS SAGAR mission

New Delhi, April 7. The Indian Navy’s offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna arrived at Malé on April 6, marking the first port call of its operational deployment under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative.

The vessel received a warm reception from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), highlighting the close maritime partnership and longstanding regional ties between India and the Maldives. In a notable gesture of cooperation, two MNDF personnel are part of the multinational crew onboard the ship.

During its voyage to Malé, the crew – drawn from multiple partner nations – undertook intensive training in seamanship, small arms firing, and damage control drills. The exercises were aimed at enhancing operational interoperability, collective preparedness, and maritime collaboration among participating countries.

India’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, G Balasubramanian, visited the ship on arrival and interacted with the multinational crew. The port call will feature a series of professional exchanges, social engagements, and sporting activities designed to strengthen camaraderie and cooperation. A Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the MNDF Coast Guard is scheduled when the ship departs.

The IOS SAGAR mission includes an international crew from 16 friendly foreign countries and is currently deployed in the South East Indian Ocean Region. The initiative aligns with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and its broader MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.

The ship had been ceremonially flagged off from Mumbai on April 2 by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, reflecting India’s commitment to the principle of ‘One Ocean, One Mission’ and to deepening maritime ties with its neighbours.