IOS Sagar returns to Kochi after month-long deployment, says Indian Navy

Indian Navy ship INS Sunayna, also known as IOS Sagar, returned to the Naval Base in Kochi, officials said on Thursday. Pic/Defence PRO

Indian Navy ship INS Sunayna, also known as IOS Sagar, returned to the Naval Base in Kochi after successfully completing a month-long deployment across the Indian Ocean Region, an official statement said on Thursday.

It said that Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command congratulated the crew of India and nine friendly foreign countries during the grand reception ceremony held at Naval Base in Kochi upon the return of IOS Sagar.

The successful completion of the deployment marks a new chapter in maritime cooperation and underscores India's commitment to safeguarding collective maritime interests, capacity building and enduring partnership with IOR nations, it said.

"Indian Navy's maiden initiative of Indian Ocean Ship Sagar, jointly crewed by personnel from nine IOR Navies, concluded its month long deployment in SW IOR region and returned to Kochi on May 8, 2025," the statement said.

IOS Sagar was flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from Karwar on April 5, 2025.

During the deployment, the ship undertook port calls at Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria and Male.

The statement said that the mission included joint naval exercises, professional and cultural exchanges and joint Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) surveillance of Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius and Seychelles.

It said that strengthening regional maritime cooperation between India and African nations, the ship participated in AIKEYME 2025 alongside INS Chennai and INS Kesari, which was jointly hosted by India and Tanzania from 13 - 18 April, 2025.

The exercise provided an opportunity for the crew of lOS Sagar to participate in the joint harbour phase and interact with the participating Navies. At Mozambique, a range of collaborative activities and community engagements were held promoting operational synergy and interoperability with the Mozambique Navy, the statement said.

It further said that reinforcing the enduring bond between India and Mauritius, the crew of IOS Sagar had fruitful engagement with the Mauritius Police Force and undertook coordinated patrol with the Mauritius Coast Guard. Visit to Port Victoria, Seychelles was marked with cross deck visits, training exchange, joint Yoga sessions and maritime engagement with Seychelles Defence Force.

The ship held collaborative maritime security and regional outreach mission at Maldives prior entering Kochi.

"The deployment exemplifies Indian Navy's continued engagement with regional Navies and maritime security stakeholders of IOR nations to train together, exchange best practices and enhance interoperability and mutual understanding," the statement said.

It said that it was a unique experience for the 44 international crew of nine partner nations - Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Silanka and Tanzania who jointly manned the ship alongside Indian Navy crew, truly signifying the motto of 'One Ocean One Mission'.

The professional and seamless integration of the international crew working together as a well knit and cohesive team truly reflects the spirit of camaraderie and maritime friendship, it said.

The mission is a testament to Indian Navy's commitment as the 'First Responder' and 'Preferred Security Partner' in IOR towards the Government of lndia's strategic vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Region), the statement said.