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INS Sagardhwani, an oceanographic research vessel under DRDO's Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), was recently flagged off from Kochi for the fifth edition of the Sagar Maitri initiative on January 17, 2026. This mission retraces historic routes of INS Kistna from the 1962-65 International Indian Ocean Expedition while fostering scientific collaboration with eight Indian Ocean Rim countries: Oman, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Myanmar.​
Objectives of Sagar Maitri Mission
- Sagar Maitri promotes ocean research cooperation under India's SAGAR vision, focusing on socio-economic ties, capacity building, and Underwater Domain Awareness for the Navy.
- The current voyage initiates joint studies with the Maldives, enabling data collection on oceanographic and acoustic parameters.​
About INS Sagardhwani
INS Sagardhwani is India’s dedicated marine acoustic research ship, operated by the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) under DRDO. It plays a crucial role in oceanographic studies, underwater domain awareness, and international scientific collaboration.
Key Facts about INS Sagardhwani
- Name meaning: Sagardhwani translates to “Voice of the Sea.”
- Type: Marine Acoustic Research Ship (MARS).
- Builder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata.
- Launched: May 1991.
- Commissioned: 30 July 1994.
- Home Port: Kochi, India.
- Status: Active.
Role & Missions
- Primary Role: Acoustic and oceanographic research to support naval operations.
- Sagar Maitri Initiative:
- Flagship collaboration between Indian Navy & DRDO.
- Focuses on Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA).
- Collects high-value oceanographic and acoustic data along designated tracks.
- Strengthens India’s maritime scientific and defence capabilities.
- International Collaboration:
- Works with 8 Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries: Oman, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Myanmar.
- Retraces historic routes of INS Kistna from the International Indian Ocean Expedition (1962–65).
Challenges & Considerations
- Data sensitivity: Acoustic research directly impacts submarine warfare; hence, findings are often classified.
- Operational endurance: While capable of 200 days at sea, long missions require robust logistical support.
- International collaboration: Balancing scientific openness with strategic security interests is critical.
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