INS Sunayna Returns After Successful Maritime Cooperation Mission

New Delhi, India – The Indian Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel, INS Sunayna, returned to Kochi on May 8, 2025, after completing a nearly month-long deployment in the south-west Indian Ocean Region. This mission, referred to as IOS SAGAR, is viewed by the Navy as a significant advancement in maritime cooperation and emphasizes India’s commitment to safeguarding maritime interests.

INS Sunayna set sail from Karwar, Karnataka, on April 5, carrying a diverse crew that included personnel from nine other countries, showcasing a united front in maritime security. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the vessel, underscoring the mission’s importance under the framework of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions, known as MAHASAGAR.

During the deployment, the ship made port calls in Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, and Male, participating in various joint naval exercises and cultural exchanges. Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, welcomed the crew back during a ceremony at the Naval Base in Kochi, expressing pride in their accomplishments.

“The successful completion of this mission marks a new chapter in maritime cooperation among Indian Ocean Region nations,” said a Navy spokesperson. “It highlights our dedication to building stronger ties with our maritime neighbors and ensuring a secure maritime environment.”

The mission also involved joint surveillance efforts of Exclusive Economic Zones in Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Seychelles. In addition, the crew engaged in professional exchanges and community programs, enhancing regional partnerships.

Crew members from partner nations, including Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, collaborated with Indian Navy personnel, fostering bonds of friendship and camaraderie. The operational motto of ‘One Ocean, One Mission’ was emphasized throughout the deployment.

INS Sunayna, which has a displacement tonnage of nearly 2,500 tonnes, was commissioned in October 2013. This recent deployment significantly reinforces India’s standing as a preferred security partner in the region and a proactive responder to maritime challenges.