Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flags-off INS Sunayna as Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR from Karwar

Singh also inaugurated modern operational, repair and logistic facilities constructed under Project Seabird worth over Rs 2,000 crore.

He was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials.

IOS Sagar

The flagging-off of the ship, with 44 naval personnel from nine friendly nations (Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka & Tanzania), marks a significant step in reinforcing India’s commitment to regional maritime security and international cooperation.

Addressing the representatives from partner nations of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Shri Rajnath Singh termed the launch of IOS SAGAR as a reflection of India’s commitment to peace, prosperity, and collective security in maritime domain.

He highlighted India’s growing presence in IOR and said: “It is not just related to our security and national interests, it also points towards the equality of rights and duties among our friendly countries in the region. Our Navy ensures that, in IOR, no nation suppresses another on the basis of overwhelming economy and military power. We ensure that the nations’ interests are protected without compromising their sovereignty."

Singh also commended the Indian Navy for emerging as the first responder during incidents such as hijacking of ships and acts of pirates, in the region.

He stated that the Navy ensures the security of not just Indian ships but also foreign ones, terming free navigation, rule-based order, anti-piracy and securing peace and stability in IOR as one of its biggest objectives.

“Along with other stakeholders, Indian Navy is ensuring peace and prosperity in the region. Equipped with state-of-the-art ships, weapons & equipment and well-trained & motivated sailors, we resolve to move ahead with other friendly nations towards developing IOR as a symbol of brotherhood and shared interest,” he added.

The flag-off coincides with the 10th anniversary of the SAGAR initiative and the National Maritime Day.

Rajnath Singh referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative and stated that it will expand and strengthen the SAGAR vision in a more advanced and collaborative manner.

“Now that India has transitioned from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR, there could be no better time to launch the voyage of IOS SAGAR,” he said.

Singh highlighted the historical significance of April 5, when India’s first merchant ship, SS Loyalty, sailed from Mumbai to London in 1919, describing it as a fitting occasion to launch the IOS SAGAR mission.

“It’s a proud moment to see India leading the charge for regional cooperation on the same date we mark our maritime legacy,” he said.

Rajnath Singh exuded confidence that IOS SAGAR will achieve its broader goals of collective security and growth and maritime excellence.

IOS SAGAR is a pioneering effort aimed at bringing together the navies and maritime agencies of the Southwest IOR on an Indian Naval platform.

The mission will serve as an opportunity to provide comprehensive training to sea-riders from friendly countries and marks an unprecedented collaboration in maritime security, read an official statement.

INS Sunayna, during its deployment, will visit Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis and Port Victoria.

The international crew aboard will undertake training exercises and apply knowledge gained from various professional training schools at Kochi.

The exercises/training planned include firefighting, damage control, Visit Board Search and Seizure, bridge operations, seamanship, engine room management, switchboard operations and boat handling -  all of which will improve interoperability between the Indian Navy and its international partners.

IOS SAGAR will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the IOR. With this mission, India once again reaffirms its commitment to building stronger ties with its maritime neighbours and working towards a safer, more inclusive and secure maritime environment in the region.

Project Seabird Facilities

The facilities include marine infrastructure designed for berthing ships, submarines and harbour craft, an armament wharf, two piers specifically equipped for refits, marine utility complexes, residential infrastructure consisting 480 dwelling units for sailors and defence civilians, and support facilities comprising 25 km road network, 12 km storm water drainage, water reservoirs, waste management plants and security watch towers.

These facilities will boost the sustenance of assets operating off the West Coast, and augment the Indian Navy’s efforts in maintaining a future-ready force.  The infrastructure has been developed in pursuit of the Government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat with more than 90% of the material and equipment being sourced from within the country. The progressive operationalisation of the Karwar base will generate industrial growth and enable substantial support to the local economy in the Uttar Kannada Region.