Delhi, 5 April (H.S.): On April 5, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the INS Sunayna, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, as part of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative in Karwar, Karnataka. This event signifies India's dedication to maritime security, peace, and regional cooperation, reinforcing ties with nine friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), including Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. During the ceremony, Singh highlighted India's intention to ensure that no nation in the IOR is dominated by others in terms of economic or military strength, emphasizing equality among nations.
Additionally, Rajnath Singh inaugurated modern operational, repair, and logistical facilities under Project Seabird, valued at over Rs 2,000 crore. He commended the Indian Navy for its prompt response to security threats, including piracy and ship hijackings, affirming that the Navy's mission encompasses the protection of all vessels, not just Indian ones. Free navigation, adherence to a rule-based order, and regional stability are pivotal goals of the Navy's operations.
The launch coincided with the 10th anniversary of the SAGAR initiative and National Maritime Day, where Singh referenced Prime Minister Modi's MAHASAGAR initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration across regions. He expressed optimism that the transition from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR would further solidify India's commitment to peace and brotherhood in the IOR, marking a significant step toward joint security and shared prosperity among nations.
Rajnath Singh, the Raksha Mantri, emphasized the importance of April 05, marking the historical departure of India's first merchant ship, SS Loyalty, from Mumbai to London in 1919, as an apt occasion to initiate the IOS SAGAR mission. He expressed pride in India's leadership in regional cooperation alongside its maritime heritage, wishing success to the mission aimed at collective security, growth, and maritime excellence.
IOS SAGAR seeks to unite the navies and maritime agencies of the Southwest Indian Ocean Region (IOR) under an Indian Naval framework. It focuses on comprehensive training for sea-riders from friendly nations while facilitating unprecedented collaboration in maritime security. INS Sunayna will visit several ports, including Dar-es-Salaam and Port Louis, where the international crew will partake in various training exercises, enhancing interoperability with the Indian Navy. Planned activities encompass firefighting, damage control, bridge operations, and boat handling.
This mission reinforces India’s commitment to fostering stronger relationships with its maritime neighbors and creating a safer and more secure maritime environment in the region.
Additionally, Project Seabird has established key facilities featuring marine infrastructure for ship berthing, an armament wharf, refit-equipped piers, residential units for sailors, and comprehensive support systems. Over 90% of the materials for these facilities are sourced domestically, aligning with the Government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. The development of the Karwar base is expected to stimulate local industrial growth and bolster the economy in the Uttar Kannada Region, ensuring the Indian Navy remains a future-ready force.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
