IOS SAGAR arrives in Maldives with naval personnel from 16 countries

Indian Navy’s offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna, formally redesignated as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, arrived in Male’ on Monday, with naval personnel from 16 countries.

Indian High Commissioner to Maldives, G. Balasubramanian boarded the ship and interacted with the crew in the morning.

According to the Indian High Commission, IOS SAGAR is an initiative that builds on India’s long-standing maritime cooperation efforts and reflects the Indian government’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), while also advancing the broader framework of MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions.

It is a unique operational engagement program that enables naval personnel from friendly foreign countries to train and sail together onboard an Indian naval ship.

By integrating international participants into shipboard activities and professional training modules, the initiative promotes practical cooperation, interoperability and shared understanding of maritime operations.

37 naval personnel from 16 countries are participating in the second edition of IOS SAGAR. This includes two officers from the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF).

The countries participating in this year’s program include the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Seychelles, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, and Bangladesh.

The program had commenced with professional training interactions at Indian naval training establishments at Kochi, where participants were exposed to key aspects of naval operations, seamanship practices and maritime security concepts. This phase is followed by deployment onboard an Indian Naval Ship, where international participants will sail together with Indian Navy personnel and take part in operational activities at sea.

During the voyage, the ship will undertake maritime engagement activities and port visits, enabling interaction with partner navies and maritime agencies of the region.

These engagements are intended to strengthen professional linkages, encourage exchange of best practices and foster a deeper understanding of shared maritime challenges.

IOS SAGAR had visited the Maldives for two days last year.