INS Sunayna arrives in Male under IOS SAGAR to boost India-Maldives maritime cooperation

Key facts

• INS Sunayna, a Saryu-class Offshore Patrol Vessel, reached Male on Sunday as part of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative.
• The deployment is the first international stop of a 50-day overseas mission and carries 39 multinational crew from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
• Prior to berthing, INS Sunayna and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard units completed joint seamanship training covering tactical station-keeping, advanced signalling, small-arms firing, damage control and firefighting drills.
• During the three-day visit, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) will be held to consolidate maritime domain awareness.
• The Indian Navy currently chairs the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) after assuming the role in February 2026.
• IOS SAGAR is aligned with India’s SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the broader MAHASAGAR framework.