Why in News?
On April 6, 2026, the ship arrived at Male, Maldives, marking its first operational port call. The visit includes a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the MNDF Coast Guard.
About
- IOS SAGAR 2026 Mission: On April 2, 2026, INS Sunayna was flagged off from Mumbai as the flagship for the second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative.
- Multinational Crew: For the first time, the ship is operating with a combined crew of Indian Navy personnel and sailors from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), including two officers from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
- Strategic Signal: The deployment is a response to escalating West Asia tensions and threats to global oil flows, reinforcing India’s role as a "net security provider".
Mission Objectives (IOS SAGAR)
- "One Ocean, One Mission": The 50-day mission (April 2 – May 20, 2026) aims to foster regional trust and interoperability.
- Training Hub: Serves as a "floating training platform" for international crews in areas like firefighting, damage control, and VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) operations.
- Route: The mission includes strategic stops at Colombo (Sri Lanka), Phuket (Thailand), Jakarta (Indonesia), Singapore, Chittagong (Bangladesh), and Yangon (Myanmar).
Vessel Specifications
- Class: Second ship of the Saryu-class Offshore Patrol Vessels.
- Origin: Indigenously designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited.
- Tonnage & Speed: Weighs approximately 2,300 tonnes and is capable of speeds exceeding 25 knots.
- Capabilities: Optimized for ocean surveillance, escort duties, and monitoring Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs). It can also carry ALH Dhruv or Chetak helicopters.
Historical Significance & Roles
- MAHASAGAR Vision: Part of the broader "Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions" framework.
- Humanitarian Missions: Famously participated in Operation Nistar (2018) to evacuate stranded Indians from Socotra Island after a cyclone.
- Security Operations: Involved in Operation Sankalp (2019) to protect Indian flagged vessels in the Gulf of Oman.
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