Why in News?
IOS SAGAR is recently in the news because the Indian Navy has launched the second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative on 16 March 2026, highlighting India’s growing leadership role in maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
About IOS SAGAR
- Full form: Indian Ocean Ship – Security and Growth for All in the Region (IOS SAGAR).
- It is an Indian Navy initiative that sends an Indian naval ship (designated as “IOS SAGAR”) as a floating platform for joint training and operational engagement with friendly navies of the IOR.
Key Features
- Vision: Aligns with India's SAGAR and MAHASAGAR initiatives.
- Objective: To foster a collective maritime security architecture and strengthen interoperability among IOR navies.
- Two-Phase Structure: Includes a Harbour Phase in Kochi (firefighting, damage control) and a Sea Phase aboard Indian Naval Ships, such as INS Sunayna.
- Regional Engagement: Focuses on joint EEZ surveillance and building "Bridges of Friendship" with nations like Mauritius, Seychelles, and Tanzania.
- Threat Focus: Addresses regional challenges including piracy, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing.
- Participation: Involves personnel from 16 nations (Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar) to enhance professional, maritime ties.
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