– Indian Navy Strengthens Regional Maritime Cooperation and Collective Security in the Indian Ocean Region

New Delhi, May 20 (HS): Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sunayna, deployed as part of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar mission, returned to Kochi on Wednesday after completing a seven-week deployment across some of the most strategically significant waters of the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region (IOR). During the mission, the vessel covered thousands of nautical miles, reinforcing India’s commitment to regional maritime cooperation and collective security.

The joint mission included participation from 38 crew members representing 16 partner nations alongside the Indian Navy. The participating countries included Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Maldives, Mozambique, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and the United Arab Emirates.

Upon its return to Kochi Port, INS *Sunayna* was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a Water Cannon Salute. Escorted by fast interceptor boats of the Indian Navy, the ship received a warm reception from officials of the Southern Naval Command.

On the vessel’s arrival, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, praised the professionalism and exemplary teamwork displayed by the 38 crew members from 16 countries during the deployment.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral Saxena said that when IOS Sagar departed from Mumbai on April 2, it carried with it India’s message of friendship, trust, inclusiveness, and shared maritime responsibility. He stated that the Indian Navy had translated this vision into action through sustained operational presence, humanitarian assistance, capacity building, and partnerships with friendly nations.

Addressing the personnel during the ceremony, he emphasized that continued cooperation and operational coordination among regional maritime forces are essential to ensuring a secure, stable, and prosperous maritime environment.

He further noted that the deployment significantly enhanced operational synergy and mutual understanding through joint training exercises, professional exchanges, and collaborative operational activities.

According to the Navy, such engagements strengthen the collective capability of regional naval forces to effectively combat non-traditional maritime threats, including piracy, illegal fishing, arms smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and other unlawful activities at sea.

During the deployment, INS Sunayna made port calls at Malé, Phuket, Jakarta, Singapore, Yangon, Chattogram, and Colombo, and also participated in several maritime exercises.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar