Delhi, 18 April (H.S.): INS Sunayna, on deployment as part of the Indian Ocean Ship IOS SAGAR, arrived at Nacala Port, Mozambique on 17 April 2025 after participating in the inaugural India-Africa maritime partnership exercise AIKEYME 25 in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. This unique mission aligns with India’s SAGAR initiative, which promotes Security and Growth for All in the Region, focusing on fostering international cooperation with Africa. Launched from Karwar on 5 April 2025 by the Defence Minister, the ship carried 44 naval personnel from nine nations including Comoros, Kenya, and Mozambique.
Upon arrival, Commander Nelson H. Mabjaia and the Mozambique Naval Band welcomed the ship. A variety of collaborative activities are set for the port stay, such as joint training on Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills, firefighting, and community engagements with the Mozambique Navy. The ship will host a deck reception for local officials, and include wellness initiatives like yoga, ship visits for the Indian diaspora, and an interschool quiz competition on maritime awareness.
After the visit, the ship will take Mozambique Navy personnel as Sea Riders for a joint surveillance mission in the Mozambique Exclusive Economic Zone, strengthening maritime security and countering non-traditional threats, and marking a crucial milestone in enhancing cooperation between the Indian and Mozambique Navies.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
