Several dignitaries from Singapore’s Ministry of Defence, Navy, Diplomatic Corps, prominent Singaporeans, and members of the Indian diaspora gathered for a reception on the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sunayana at the Changi Naval Base. The event, jointly hosted by the High Commissioner of India in Singapore, Shilpak N Ambule, and Commanding Officer Siddharth Chaudhary, celebrated the ship’s port call in Singapore as part of the ongoing IOS SAGAR deployment.
INS Sunayana, with a multinational crew from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), arrived at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base on April 26 for its fourth port call under the vision of MAHASAGAR. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the ship’s deployment to the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) after previous port calls at Male, Phuket, and Jakarta. The warm reception in Singapore highlighted the strong maritime ties between the two nations.
High Commissioner Ambule engaged with the ship’s crew, acknowledging their role in enhancing maritime partnerships and promoting interoperability under the SAGAR vision. A ceremony onboard paid tribute to the fallen at the Kranji War Memorial, emphasizing shared values of sacrifice and remembrance. Discussions with Colonel Chuah Meng Soon from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) explored avenues for increased maritime cooperation.
During the visit, INS Sunayana welcomed visitors, including schoolchildren and social media influencers, offering insights into life at sea. Activities such as a run themed ‘One Ocean, One Mission’ involving the Indian diaspora aimed to raise maritime awareness and unity. The vessel also hosted scholars and academics for discussions on collaborative maritime security, showcasing India’s initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region.
Engaging with the RSN, INS Sunayana will participate in professional and community interactions, including visits to navigation and damage control simulators, the Information Fusion Centre, and the Navy Museum in Singapore. The ship, flagged off from Mumbai on April 2, is set to depart Singapore on Wednesday, continuing its mission to bolster maritime cooperation and collective security in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Indian High Commission in Singapore highlighted that this initiative aligns with India’s commitment to maritime cooperation and its vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). The ongoing efforts also contribute to the broader framework of MAHASAGAR, emphasizing mutual and holistic advancement for security across regions.
