INS Sagardhwani, India’s oceanographic research vessel, has been launched for the fifth edition of the Sagar Maitri (SM-5) initiative from Kochi’s Southern Naval Command. The mission aims to foster scientific collaboration with eight Indian Ocean Region countries, including Oman, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Myanmar.
The vessel will follow the historic routes of INS Kistna, which took part in the International Indian Ocean Expedition from 1962 to 1965. This endeavor signifies the beginning of joint oceanographic studies with Maldives, facilitating shared research and professional interactions among scientists from Indian Ocean Region nations.
Flagged off by Radha Mohan Singh, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, the event was attended by various dignitaries including officials from the Indian Navy and DRDO. INS Sagardhwani, a specialized marine acoustic research vessel, has been pivotal in gathering oceanographic and acoustic data crucial for Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) for the Indian Navy.
Sagar Maitri, a collaborative initiative between the Indian Navy and DRDO, plays a central role in enhancing India’s maritime scientific capabilities. This initiative, in line with the government’s ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision, aims to strengthen scientific cooperation and promote socio-economic aspects among Indian Ocean Region countries through joint ocean research efforts.
