New Delhi: Indian Naval ship IOS Sagar on Monday made its first port call in Maldives, an important part of its overseas deployment. With this port call, 39 international crew members, hailing from 16 countries, arrived in Maldives.
“IOS Sagar made port call at Male’, Maldives with 39 international crew from 16 countries. It symbolizes India’s vision of ‘Leadership through Partnership, Strength through Unity, Progress through Peace’,” the Embassy of India in Maldives said in its X post.
Reinforcing India’s commitment to collaborative maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the second edition of IOS SAGAR was launched on 16 March. The Indian Defense Ministry said in a statement on March 18 that this edition comes after the Indian Navy chaired the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in February 2026. Navies from 16 countries of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) are participating in this edition.
This initiative reflects India’s long-standing commitment to maritime cooperation while promoting the Government of India’s “For All for Security and Growth” (SAGAR) approach. Furthermore, it also advances the broader framework of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Region).
IOS SAGAR is designed as a unique operational engagement program providing sailors from friendly countries an opportunity to train and sail onboard an Indian naval ship. The objective of this program is to promote better understanding of maritime operations, international cooperation, and mutual understanding.
Naval personnel from 16 friendly countries are participating in the event in the current edition. The program will commence with professional training sessions at the Indian Naval Training Center, Kochi, where the participants will be exposed to important aspects of naval operations, naval exercises and maritime security. Subsequently, these international participants will participate in maritime activities in collaboration with the Indian Navy.
During the visit, the ship will conduct maritime activities and port visits, strengthening contacts with partner navies and maritime agencies. These activities aim to establish professional links, exchange best practices and enhance deeper understanding on maritime challenges.
Comments are closed.