India has marked a significant milestone in maritime cooperation and infrastructure development with the flagging-off of INS Sunayna as Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the inauguration of advanced facilities under Project Seabird at Karwar, Karnataka. The initiatives, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, showcase the country’s steadfast commitment to promoting regional security, economic progress, and naval excellence in the Indian Ocean Region.
The departure of INS Sunayna, carrying 44 personnel from nine friendly nations including Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, heralds a new chapter in fostering international maritime collaboration. The ship’s voyage aligns with the objectives of the SAGAR initiative, which has served as a beacon of India’s diplomatic and strategic endeavors for a decade. Rajnath Singh described the mission as a reflection of India’s dedication to peace, prosperity, and the collective security of the maritime domain. He emphasized that the Indian Navy plays a pivotal role in ensuring equality and safeguarding the sovereignty of nations within the region, preventing domination based on economic or military might.
The Defence Minister commended the Indian Navy’s track record as a first responder in addressing regional challenges, such as piracy and the hijacking of ships. He highlighted the Navy’s focus on maintaining free navigation, upholding a rule-based order, and ensuring peace and stability across the Indian Ocean. With cutting-edge ships, state-of-the-art equipment, and a highly skilled force, the Navy exemplifies India’s vision of building an inclusive maritime community founded on shared interests and brotherhood.
The timing of the mission is particularly significant, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the SAGAR initiative, the launch of the broader MAHASAGAR framework (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), and the celebration of National Maritime Day. The Defence Minister linked the date to India’s maritime legacy, recalling the historic voyage of the SS Loyalty, which embarked from Mumbai to London on April 5, 1919.
INS Sunayna’s journey will encompass visits to key port cities, including Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, and Port Victoria. Its international crew will engage in comprehensive training exercises designed to enhance interoperability between India and its maritime partners. Activities will cover firefighting, damage control, seamanship, engine room management, and boat handling, among other critical naval operations. These collaborative efforts underscore India’s commitment to building stronger ties with its maritime neighbors and ensuring a secure and prosperous Indian Ocean Region.
In tandem with the launch of IOS SAGAR, the Defence Minister inaugurated modern operational, repair, and logistic facilities at the Karwar Naval Base, developed at a cost exceeding $240 million under Project Seabird. The infrastructure includes marine complexes for berthing ships, submarines, and harbor craft, as well as armament wharfs, piers equipped for refits, residential quarters, and extensive support facilities. The facilities are designed to sustain naval operations along India’s west coast, further augmenting the Navy’s readiness and capabilities.
More than 90 percent of the materials and equipment used in the construction of these facilities were sourced domestically, reflecting the government’s vision of achieving self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The progressive operationalization of the Karwar base is poised to drive industrial growth and contribute to the local economy in the Uttara Kannada region.
The dual milestones of launching IOS SAGAR and bolstering naval infrastructure represent a comprehensive approach to enhancing India’s maritime strategy. They reaffirm the nation’s resolve to act as a regional leader in promoting security, fostering economic growth, and strengthening partnerships across the Indian Ocean Region.
