Indian Navy’s offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna arrived in Male on Monday as part of its deployment under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, marking the first port call of its current mission and reinforcing maritime ties between India and the Maldives.
The ship was accorded a warm welcome by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), reflecting the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries. In a notable gesture of cooperation, two MNDF personnel are also part of the multinational crew onboard the vessel.
During its transit to Male, the crew – comprising personnel from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries – undertook intensive training exercises, including seamanship drills, small arms firing, and damage control operations. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the exercises were aimed at enhancing operational interoperability, collective readiness, and maritime collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region.
On arrival, G. Balasubramanian, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, visited the ship and interacted with the crew. A series of professional exchanges, social engagements, and sporting activities are planned during the port call to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and camaraderie.
A Passage Exercise (PASSEX) between INS Sunayna and the MNDF Coast Guard is also scheduled upon the ship’s departure, aimed at improving coordination and joint operational capabilities.
The deployment is part of India’s broader outreach under the IOS SAGAR initiative, which aligns with the government’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). The MoD said the initiative underscores India’s commitment to capacity building, regional security, and strengthening maritime partnerships.
INS Sunayna was flagged off from Mumbai on April 2 by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, marking the start of its mission to the South East Indian Ocean Region.
The deployment, guided by the principle of “One Ocean, One Mission,” is expected to further deepen India’s maritime engagement with its neighbours and partners across the region.
