Indian Navy News – Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, also known as INS Sunayna, docked at Port Victoria, Seychelles, on May 1, 2025, as part of its operational deployment in the South-West Indian Ocean Region. This visit follows a successful Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance mission conducted alongside the National Coast Guard of Mauritius, highlighting India’s commitment to regional maritime security.
The ship received a warm reception from Seychelles’ Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles, and the Defence Adviser.
During its stay, IOS SAGAR will engage in professional and cultural activities, including
- cross-deck visits with its multinational crew,
- interactions with the CDF and senior Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) officers, and
- a joint yoga session,
fostering mutual trust and cooperation between India and Seychelles.
With a multinational crew of 44 naval personnel from nine South-West Indian Ocean nations, IOS SAGAR embodies India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). The ship has previously visited Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Nacala (Mozambique), and Port Louis (Mauritius), where it collaborated with local navies to enhance interoperability, share best practices, and train together.
INS Sunayna, a Saryu-class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), is equipped with
- advanced medium and close-range gunnery,
- modern electronic warfare suites,
- missile defense systems, and
- the capability to carry a helicopter,
boosting its operational and surveillance capabilities. The ship is set to depart Port Victoria on May 2, 2025, for its final port call in Male, Maldives, continuing its mission of maritime security and regional outreach.
