Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the Indian Navy’s INS Sunayna from Karwar, Karnataka, as part of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, marking a decade of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). The event also coincided with National Maritime Day and included the inauguration of modern operational, repair and logistics facilities worth over Rs 2,000 crore under Project Seabird.
IOS SAGAR: Strengthening Regional Maritime Cooperation
- IOS SAGAR is a pioneering effort aimed at bringing together the navies and maritime agencies of the Southwest Indian Ocean Region (IOR) on an Indian Naval platform.
- The mission will serve as an opportunity to provide comprehensive training to sea-riders from the FFNs and marks an unprecedented collaboration in maritime security.
- IOS SAGAR aims to enhance interoperability and build capacity among Southwest Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries using an Indian Naval platform.
- The initiative is aligned with India’s new MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) launched by PM Narendra Modi.
- As part of it, INS Sunayna is deployed with 44 naval personnel from 9 countries: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
- The ship will visit Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, and Port Victoria, offering professional maritime training to sea-riders from partner nations.
- Exercises include firefighting, damage control, VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure), bridge operations, seamanship, and more.
Project Seabird: Boosting Naval Infrastructure
- Facilities include:
- Marine infrastructure for berthing ships, submarines, and harbour craft.
- Armament wharf, two refit-equipped piers, marine utility complexes.
- Residential infrastructure with 480 dwelling units for personnel.
- Support infrastructure including 25 km of roads, 12 km stormwater drainage, water reservoirs, waste management systems, and security watch towers.
- Over 90% of materials and equipment sourced domestically, reflecting Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- These assets will boost Indian Navy’s operational readiness on the West Coast and support local economic growth in the Uttar Kannada region.