Why in news?
The Indian Navy’s offshore patrol vessel INS Savitri made a port call to Port Louis in early November 2025. During the visit the ship’s crew conducted joint Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance with the Mauritius Coast Guard, trained local personnel and hosted public tours. The friendly outreach reflects India’s policy of maritime cooperation with Indian Ocean neighbours.
Background
INS Savitri belongs to the Sukanya‑class of offshore patrol vessels built in India for long‑range coastal defence. Launched in 1989 and commissioned in 1990, the 101‑metre ship displaces nearly 1,900 tonnes and can reach speeds of around 20 knots. It is armed with a 40 mm Bofors gun and machine‑guns and has a helicopter deck for surveillance operations. The vessel’s primary roles include patrolling India’s extended coastline, search‑and‑rescue missions, anti‑piracy patrols and humanitarian assistance during disasters.
Features of the vessel
- Indigenous construction: Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai, the vessel showcases India’s shipbuilding capability. High indigenisation reduces reliance on foreign suppliers.
- Armament and sensors: A 40 mm Bofors gun and 12.7 mm machine‑guns provide surface fire power. Navigation radars and communication equipment support extended patrols.
- Helicopter facility: A small flight deck allows a light helicopter to land and take off, extending surveillance range and enabling medical evacuation.
- Versatile roles: Besides maritime security, the ship can assist in pollution control, firefighting and training. During humanitarian operations it delivers relief supplies and evacuates civilians.
Significance of the Mauritius visit
- Strengthening ties: India and Mauritius share a deep maritime bond. Joint patrols of the Mauritian Exclusive Economic Zone enhance security against illegal fishing and piracy.
- Capacity building: Training sessions on navigation, seamanship and engineering helped build the capability of the Mauritius Coast Guard and promoted interoperability.
- Community outreach: The ship opened its decks to the local public and conducted sports and cultural exchanges, fostering goodwill between the two nations.
- SAGAR policy: The visit demonstrates India’s “Security and Growth for All in the Region” approach, which emphasises collaborative maritime security and economic prosperity in the Indian Ocean.
Source: PIB press release, NE India Broadcast