IOS SAGAR returns to Kochi after successful month-long mission

Mumbai: Strengthening maritime bonds in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar returned to Kochi after a successful month-long mission on Thursday. 

The return, incidentally coincides amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. 

The mission is a testament to Indian Navy's commitment as the "First Responder” and “Preferred Security Partner” in IOR towards the Government of India’s strategic vision of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Region, coined as MAHASAGAR.

It was a unique experience for the 44 international crew of nine partner nations - Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania who jointly manned the ship alongside Indian Navy crew, truly signifying the motto of 'One Ocean One Mission'.

IOS Sagar was flagged off by Defence Minister  Rajnath Singh from Karwar on 5 April 25 - and returned after a little more than a month on 8 May 2025 when it was Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.

Admiral Srinivas congratulated the crew of India and nine friendly foreign countries during the grand reception ceremony held at Naval Base in Kochi. 

“The successful completion of the deployment marks a new chapter in maritime cooperation and underscores India's commitment to safeguarding collective maritime interests, capacity building and enduring partnership with IOR nations,” Indian Navy officials said. 

During the deployment, the ship undertook port calls at Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria and Male. 

The key highlights of the mission included joint naval exercises, professional and cultural exchanges and joint EEZ surveillance of Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius & Seychelles. 

Strengthening regional maritime cooperation between India and African nations, the ship participated in Africa India Key Maritime Engagement, AIKEYME 2025 alongside INS Chennai and INS Kesari, which was jointly hosted by India and Tanzania from 13 - 18 April 25. The exercise provided an opportunity for the crew of lOS Sagar to participate in the joint harbour phase and interact with the participating navies. 

At Mozambique, a range of collaborative activities and community engagements were held promoting operational synergy and interoperability with the Mozambique Navy.

Reinforcing the enduring bond between India and Mauritius, the crew of IOS Sagar had fruitful engagement with the Mauritius Police Force and undertook coordinated patrol with the Mauritius Coast Guard. 

Visit to Port Victoria, Seychelles was marked with cross deck visits, training exchange, joint Yoga sessions and maritime engagement with Seychelles Defence Force. The ship held collaborative maritime security and regional outreach missions at Maldives prior to entering Kochi. 

“The journey of IOS Sagar which commenced with the combined harbour and sea training phase at SNC, Kochi on March 25 has been truly memorable for all the crew members. The professional and seamless integration of the international crew working together as a well knit and cohesive team truly reflects the spirit of camaraderie and maritime friendship,” officials said.