New Delhi, March 18 The second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, a mission aimed at reaffirming India's commitment to building stronger ties with its maritime neighbors, has begun, according to officials.
The initiative builds on India's long-standing efforts in maritime cooperation and reflects the Indian government's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), while also advancing the broader framework of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions), a spokesperson for the Indian Navy said on Wednesday.
"Reaffirming India's commitment to collaborative maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, the second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR commenced on March 16. The Indian Navy assumed the chair of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Feb 2026. Therefore, this edition includes participation from 16 IONS nations of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)," he said.
IOS SAGAR is designed as a unique operational engagement program that enables naval personnel from friendly foreign countries to train and sail together onboard an Indian naval ship.
By integrating international participants into shipboard activities and professional training modules, the initiative promotes practical cooperation, interoperability, and a shared understanding of maritime operations, he said.
As part of the current edition of IOS SAGAR, naval personnel from 16 friendly foreign countries will participate in the program, the Navy said.
The program will commence with professional training interactions at Indian naval training establishments in Kochi, where participants will be exposed to key aspects of naval operations, seamanship practices, and maritime security concepts.
This phase will be followed by deployment onboard INS Sunayna, where international participants will sail together with Indian Navy personnel and take part in operational activities at sea, the spokesperson said, adding that this phase will begin off the coast of Mumbai.
During the voyage, the ship will undertake maritime engagement activities and port visits, enabling interaction with partner navies and maritime agencies across the region, the spokesperson said.
These engagements are intended to strengthen professional linkages, encourage the exchange of best practices, and foster a deeper understanding of shared maritime challenges, he said.
In May 2025, after nearly a month-long deployment in the south-west Indian Ocean Region, IOS SAGAR had returned home, with the Navy saying it marked a "new chapter" in maritime cooperation and underscored India's commitment to safeguarding collective maritime interests.
The IOS SAGAR had set sail from the shores of the key naval base in Karnataka's Karwar on April 5, carrying crew members from India and nine other countries. It was flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
It was deployed under an initiative towards continued cooperation with IOR nations in pursuance of India’s vision of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions or 'MAHASAGAR'.
INS Sunayna, the Indian Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel, had assumed the mantle of IOS SAGAR under this mission that seeks to reaffirm India's commitment to "building stronger ties with its maritime neighbors and working towards a safer, more inclusive and secure maritime environment in the IOR".