The Indian Navy’s INS Sunayna, deployed under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, reached Male on April 6, 2026, marking the first port call of her operational deployment.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) accorded a warm welcome, reflecting the strong and enduring maritime partnership between India and the Maldives.
Two MNDF personnel are part of the multinational crew onboard, which includes representatives from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs). During transit, the crew conducted intensive training in seamanship, small arms firing, and damage control drills, underscoring collective readiness and operational interoperability.
On arrival, India’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, visited the ship and interacted with the crew. Several professional, social, and sporting engagements are planned during the port call to foster closer cooperation. A Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the MNDF Coast Guard is scheduled upon departure.
INS Sunayna’s deployment highlights India’s commitment to capacity building and regional security in the Indian Ocean Region. The initiative aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
The ship was ceremonially flagged off from Mumbai on April 2, 2026, by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, under the enduring vision of “One Ocean, One Mission.”
