Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sunayna (IOS SAGAR) arrived at Port Louis Harbour, Mauritius, on Saturday after completing Phase I of Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the National Coast Guard (NCG) Mauritius, the Ministry of Defence said.
The visit marks a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional maritime cooperation and capacity-building with friendly nations in the South Western Indian Ocean.
Sailing from Karwar on April 5, INS Sunayna is carrying 44 naval personnel from nine Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations, including two officers and six sailors from Mauritius. The deployment highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment to enhancing interoperability, mutual learning, and regional maritime security through collective growth and cooperation.
The ship and its multinational crew received a warm and enthusiastic welcome, attended by Sooroojebally R, PMSM, Commissioner of Police, along with senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Police Force, Indian High Commission, and NCG Mauritius. Following the reception, dignitaries toured the ship and interacted with personnel from the participating nations.
During the two-day port call, the Commanding Officer of INS Sunayna will meet the Commandant of the National Coast Guard, the Commissioner of Police, and the High Commissioner of India. Planned activities include visits to the Maritime Air Squadron, Special Mobile Force Squadron, and Police Helicopter Squadron, along with joint yoga sessions, trekking, and friendly sports fixtures. The Commissioner of Police will also engage with the ship’s multinational crew at Police Headquarters. The ship will be open to public visitors on Sunday.
Following the port call, INS Sunayna will undertake Phase II of Joint EEZ surveillance with NCG Mauritius before proceeding to Port Victoria, Seychelles.
INS Sunayna, a Saryu-class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), is equipped for anti-piracy operations, maritime surveillance, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions. The vessel features advanced gunnery weapons, modern electronic warfare systems, and helicopter capability, significantly enhancing its operational reach and surveillance efficiency.
