Indian Naval Ship Sunayna to Dock in Colombo with 16-Nation Naval Crew

COLOMBO (News 1st);  Indian Naval Ship Sunayna, deployed as IOS Sagar with a multinational crew from 16 countries, is scheduled to arrive in Colombo on May 15, marking its seventh port call during the second edition of the deployment.

The initiative forms part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing effort to build “Bridges of Friendship” and enhance cooperation among regional maritime partners.

The vessel was flagged off from Mumbai on April 2, 2026, following combined harbour training conducted at Indian naval training establishments.

The multinational crew, comprising officers and sailors from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar, Singapore, Seychelles, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor Leste, and the United Arab Emirates, underwent comprehensive training.

The programme covered key operational areas including seamanship, navigation, communication procedures, safety of life at sea, firefighting, and damage control. It also included specialized modules such as Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations and advanced bridgemanship.

During its stay in Colombo, the Commanding Officer of IOS Sagar is expected to call on senior Sri Lanka Navy officials, including the Commander of the Western Naval Area and the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet.

The visiting multinational crew will engage in professional and sports interactions with Sri Lanka Navy personnel and undertake visits to places of interest in Sri Lanka.

The deployment reflects the broader vision of “One Ocean, One Mission,” aimed at fostering deeper engagement and cooperation among maritime partners to enhance maritime security.

It also aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR initiative, Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions,highlighting the Indian Navy’s role in promoting cooperative maritime engagement across the Indian Ocean region.