Why in news?
On 16 March 2026 the Indian Navy commenced the second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative. Training sessions were held in Kochi and the Indian Navy subsequently deployed INS Sunayna with trainees from 16 friendly countries on a voyage through the Indian Ocean, making port calls and conducting joint exercises. The mission underscores India’s commitment to its maritime vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and the expanded MAHASAGAR framework.
Background
The SAGAR doctrine, unveiled by India in 2015, emphasises cooperative maritime security and sustainable blue‑economy development in the Indian Ocean Region. To operationalise this vision, the navy invites personnel from partner countries to train alongside Indian sailors. The IOS SAGAR initiative began in 2024; the second edition in 2026 enhances capacity building and interoperability.
Highlights of the 2026 edition
- Multinational crew: Trainees from 16 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia joined the voyage. They learned seamanship, navigation, damage control and firefighting aboard INS Sunayna.
- Port visits: The ship sailed from Mumbai via Kochi to the Maldives, where it conducted passage exercises with the Maldivian Coast Guard. Subsequent calls included Sri Lanka and other Indian Ocean ports, fostering goodwill and professional exchanges.
- MAHASAGAR framework: The programme supports the broader Multilateral Humanitarian Assistance and Support to the Indian Ocean Region (MAHASAGAR) initiative, which integrates capacity building, maritime domain awareness and disaster response.
- Strategic significance: By training foreign sailors and demonstrating humanitarian capability, India reinforces its position as a net security provider in the region and deepens partnerships under its Neighbourhood First policy.
Source: Press Information Bureau
