News Desk
Male’, Maldives — The Indian naval vessel INS Sunaina, designated as the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar, arrived in Male’ on Tuesday morning, marking a significant step in strengthening maritime cooperation between India and the Maldives. The ship, part of a pioneering Indian Navy initiative aimed at fostering security and collaboration across the Indian Ocean region, was warmly welcomed by the Maldives Coast Guard.
Brigadier General Mohammed Saleem, commander of the Maldives Coast Guard, greeted the crew, which includes 44 members from 10 Indian Ocean nations: India, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Comoros, Kenya, and Tanzania. Among them are three crew members and one officer from the Maldives, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the mission.
The IOS Sagar initiative, launched under India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision, is designed to enhance maritime security through joint efforts with Indian Ocean countries. INS Sunaina, deployed for over a month, will conduct port calls in Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, and the Maldives, while also undertaking joint surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zones. The mission includes a two-week training program for foreign crew members at naval schools in Kochi, India, covering seamanship, watchkeeping, and other professional skills.
The ship’s arrival in Male’ follows the announcement of the Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions (MAHASAGAR) initiative by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a visit to Mauritius in March 2025.
The IOS Sagar mission, alongside the upcoming Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) exercise in Tanzania, aims to position the Indian Navy as a preferred security partner in the region.
During its two-day stay in the Maldives, the crew will engage in professional exchanges with the Maldives Coast Guard and participate in community outreach activities. The ship is set to depart for Kochi, India, on Thursday, continuing its multi-nation journey.
The visit has been hailed as a milestone in India-Maldives relations, which have seen renewed momentum in recent years through joint naval exercises, information sharing, and humanitarian assistance.
