Raksha Mantri flags-off INS Sunayna (File )
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned Indian Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sunayna as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, from Karwar, Karnataka. The vessel has 44 sailors and personnel from nine friendly nations and is an important milestone to consolidate India's position in regional maritime security and international cooperation.
Singh emphasized India's devotion to peace, prosperity, and collective security in the maritime arena and asserted, "Our Navy ensures no nation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) dominates another by dominating economy and military power."The Indian Navy has established itself as a first responder to such events as ship hijacking and piracy in the region, providing security for both Indian and foreign ships.
The Defence Minister emphasized the significance of building the IOR as a symbol of brotherhood and common interest. With advanced ships, weapons, and equipment, the Indian Navy is focused on collaborating with other friendly nations for the realization of this vision. The inauguration of IOS SAGAR falls on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the SAGAR initiative and National Maritime Day.
IOS SAGAR is an innovative initiative to harmonize navies and maritime authorities of the Southwest IOR on an Indian Naval platform. The mission will train sea-riders from friendly nations in-depth, which will increase interoperability between the Indian Navy and its global allies. During its deployment, INS Sunayna will call on Tanzanian, Mozambican, Mauritian, and Seychelles ports.
The Defence Minister also commissioned state-of-the-art operational, repair, and logistic facilities built under Project Seabird, which cost more than Rs 2,000 crore. These facilities will enhance the maintenance of assets operating off the West Coast and support the Indian Navy's initiative in having a future-proof force.
Copyright © 2025 Top Indian News
