IOS Sagar Docks in Colombo with Rare 16-Nation Crew

COLOMBO (News 1st); Indian Naval Ship Sunayna, deployed as IOS Sagar, arrived in Sri Lanka this morning, marking its seventh port call during the second edition of the deployment and highlighting a unique multinational effort at sea.

The arrival of the vessel continues the Indian Navy’s initiative to build “Bridges of Friendship,” with IOS Sagar carrying a multinational crew drawn from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar, Singapore, Seychelles, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor Leste, and the United Arab Emirates.

Rear Admiral Damian Fernando, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy, described IOS Sagar as a timely and significant initiative, stressing the importance of shared responsibility in ensuring security in the Indian Ocean.

He highlighted that maritime stability is closely linked to global economic stability, noting that the Indian Ocean carries nearly two-thirds of global trade and energy supplies. He also pointed out the increasing challenges faced at sea, including piracy, smuggling, trafficking, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, maritime terrorism, natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies, as well as emerging threats such as artificial intelligence, drones, autonomous systems, underwater activities, and developments in space.

Rear Admiral Fernando underscored that no single nation can address these complex challenges alone, emphasizing the need for collective security through cooperation among nations.

The IOS Sagar deployment began its sea phase from Mumbai on April 2, 2026, following combined harbour training conducted at Indian naval establishments. The training brought together officers and sailors from the 16 partner nations and covered 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.

Responding to questions on why INS Sunayna was selected for a multinational crew. something more commonly seen on commercial vessels than naval ships, Commanding Officer Siddharth Chaudhary said the experience has been mutually enriching.

He noted that the ship carries 38 officers and sailors from the 16 partner nations, describing it as a privilege to lead such a diverse team. “We have been deployed at sea for the last month and a half and we have been operating with each other. We are learning from the other nations on board as much as they are learning from us,” he said.

During its stay in Colombo, the Commanding Officer is scheduled to meet senior Sri Lanka Navy officials, including the Commander of the Western Naval Area and the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Fleet. The multinational crew will also engage in professional and sports interactions with Sri Lanka Navy personnel and visit various places of interest in the country.

The IOS Sagar initiative reflects the vision of “One Ocean, One Mission,” aimed at strengthening engagement and cooperation among maritime partners for regional security.

The deployment is aligned with India’s broader vision of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR), reinforcing its commitment to cooperative maritime engagement across the Indian Ocean.

News 1st's Omethra Abeykoon contributed to this report.