Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the Indian Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel, INS Sunayna, as part of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative in Karwar, Karnataka. During the event, he also inaugurated modern operational, repair, and logistic facilities developed under Project Seabird, valued over Rs 2,000 crore, alongside military leaders including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
The ship’s launch involves 44 naval personnel from nine partner nations—Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania—highlighting India’s commitment to regional maritime security and international cooperation. Rajnath Singh emphasized that the IOS SAGAR initiative reflects India’s dedication to peace, prosperity, and collective security, ensuring no nation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is suppressed by stronger economic or military powers. He praised the Indian Navy’s quick responses to incidents like hijackings and piracy, underscoring its role in safeguarding both Indian and foreign vessels.
The flag-off coincides with the 10th anniversary of the SAGAR initiative and National Maritime Day. Rajnath Singh also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR initiative, which seeks to further enhance the SAGAR vision, marking a significant moment for India as it transitions from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR in advancing regional collaboration.
On April 5, a significant date marking the voyage of India’s first merchant ship, SS Loyalty, from Mumbai to London in 1919, the Raksha Mantri launched the IOS SAGAR mission, celebrating India’s leadership in regional maritime cooperation. He expressed confidence that this initiative would foster collective security, growth, and maritime excellence.
IOS SAGAR aims to unite the navies and maritime agencies of the Southwest Indian Ocean Region (IOR) on an Indian Naval platform, providing comprehensive training for sea-riders from allied countries, thereby setting a precedent in maritime security collaboration. The deployment of INS Sunayna will see it visiting Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, and Port Victoria, where an international crew will engage in training exercises. These include firefighting, damage control, Visit Board Search and Seizure, seamanship, and engine room management, enhancing interoperability between the Indian Navy and its international partners.
This mission underscores India’s commitment to fostering strong maritime ties and a secure environment in the region.
Additionally, Project Seabird Facilities aims to bolster marine infrastructure for the Indian Navy, featuring berthing facilities, an armament wharf, piers for refits, and residential units for sailors. More than 90% of the materials used are sourced domestically, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The operationalization of the Karwar base is expected to stimulate industrial growth and significantly benefit the local economy in the Uttar Kannada Region.
