Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth initiated the departure of INS Sunayna, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, from Mumbai as part of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR mission, emphasizing India’s dedication to regional maritime security and global collaboration. The vessel carries personnel from India and 16 maritime forces of Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), as per an official statement.
Naval Chief Dinesh K. Tripathi highlighted the changing maritime landscape characterized by increased contestation, IUU fishing, piracy, narco-trafficking, and competition over critical resources. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure a free, open, and secure Indian Ocean. Admiral Tripathi described the coming together of 16 maritime nations through IOS SAGAR as rare and significant in a complex maritime environment.
Minister Seth underlined the significance of the IOS SAGAR initiative in aligning with India’s vision of leadership through partnership, strength through unity, and progress through peace. He mentioned the recent maritime cooperation between India and Oman, symbolized by the return of INSV Kaundinya, and highlighted that IOS SAGAR 2026 expands this engagement into a broader framework of regional partnerships. Seth reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance on an inclusive Indo-Pacific, emphasizing India’s Neighbourhood First approach and Vision MAHASAGAR.
Seth emphasized that IOS SAGAR operationalizes the vision of MAHASAGAR, bringing partner nations together for training, collaboration, and collective readiness. This initiative showcases that maritime security is most effective when fostered through cooperation and shared responsibility.
