Indian Navy News – The Indian Naval Ship Sunayna (IOS SAGAR) arrived at Port Louis Harbour, Mauritius, on April 26, 2025, after completing Phase I of joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Mauritius National Coast Guard (NCG). This visit underscores India’s commitment to fostering regional maritime security and strengthening cooperation with friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Having set sail from Karwar on April 5, 2025, IOS SAGAR carries 44 naval personnel from nine IOR nations, including two officers and six sailors from Mauritius, highlighting India’s efforts to promote interoperability and mutual learning.
The ship’s arrival was warmly welcomed by Mauritius’ Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sooroojebally R, PMSM, alongside senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, Mauritius Police Force, Indian High Commission, and NCG Mauritius. Dignitaries toured the ship and engaged with the multinational crew, reflecting the deep ties between India and Mauritius.
During the two-day port call, the Commanding Officer of IOS SAGAR will meet with the NCG Commandant, the Commissioner of Police, and India’s High Commissioner. Planned activities include
- visits by the crew to the Maritime Air Squadron,
- Special Mobile Force Squadron, and
- Police Helicopter Squadron, as well as an
- interaction between the Commissioner of Police and the multinational crew at Police Headquarters.
The ship will be open to the public on April 27, with additional events such as trekking, a joint yoga session, and friendly sports matches organized to foster camaraderie.
Upon departure, IOS SAGAR will commence Phase II of joint EEZ surveillance with the NCG Mauritius before proceeding to Port Victoria, Seychelles. A state-of-the-art Saryu-class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), INS Sunayna is equipped for
- anti-piracy operations,
- maritime surveillance, and
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
The ship features advanced medium and close-range gunnery, modern electronic warfare suites, missile defense systems, and the capability to carry a helicopter, enhancing its operational versatility.
This visit reinforces India’s role as a reliable partner in promoting collective maritime security and regional cooperation in the South Western Indian Ocean.
