Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India’s naval forces are preparing for the maiden deployment of INS Sunayna with a diverse international crew.
Starting from Karwar on Saturday, the deployment is set to showcase India’s commitment to enhancing regional security cooperation. The deployment, which includes 44 crew members from nine nations, will be flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, highlighting the country’s strategic intent in the region.
This joint initiative, known as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar, is a testament to India’s growing influence in maritime security. The INS Sunayna, an indigenously built Saryu-class offshore patrol vessel by Goa Shipyard Limited, will operate with personnel from countries including Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. These nations, all crucial players in the Indian Ocean region, have been invited to collaborate in enhancing security and countering maritime threats such as piracy, trafficking, and unregulated fishing.
The month-long deployment will see the vessel visiting key ports across the region, including Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, and Male. During this period, the crew will participate in joint surveillance activities aimed at monitoring the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Seychelles. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster cooperation between India and its regional maritime partners, particularly in the face of growing security challenges.
The collaboration aims to strengthen the shared commitment between India and African nations to tackle maritime security threats and enhance surveillance capabilities. By positioning itself as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the IOR, India is strategically consolidating its role as a first responder and a critical player in ensuring the region’s maritime stability. The deployment of INS Sunayna aligns with India’s vision of strengthening its diplomatic and security ties with countries in the Indian Ocean, particularly in light of China’s expanding influence in the region.
India’s expanding maritime influence is being shaped by its growing naval presence and its role in fostering security partnerships in the region. Over the last decade, India’s efforts to deepen its maritime cooperation with countries in the IOR have become a cornerstone of its defence diplomacy. The presence of foreign personnel on board the INS Sunayna signifies a symbolic and practical step towards enhanced collaboration between the participating nations.
The crew members from the partner nations have undergone rigorous training at Kochi, ranging from basic seamanship to advanced simulator training. This effort underscores India’s commitment to capacity building and knowledge sharing, which are essential elements in fostering long-term regional security.
Naval experts note that this deployment is more than just a military exercise. It is part of a larger strategy to enhance India’s diplomatic footprint in the IOR and assert its role as a central figure in regional security. Commodore Srikant Kesnur (retd) highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating that maritime diplomacy has become a powerful vector for strengthening international relations in the region. By being proactive in maritime security, India is actively contributing to the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), which has been championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
As India continues to enhance its naval capabilities and strengthen its maritime alliances, the INS Sunayna’s deployment marks a significant milestone in its efforts to secure the Indian Ocean and demonstrate its commitment to being a stabilising force in the region. The success of this mission will likely pave the way for further collaborations in the future, setting the stage for a more secure and interconnected maritime ecosystem in the IOR.
India Launches First Joint Maritime Security Mission
