Colombo: The Indian Naval Ship Sunayna has docked in Colombo for a three-day visit. This visit is part of its ongoing mission in the Indian Ocean Region, known as IOS SAGAR. The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the ship on Friday.
IOS SAGAR promotes cooperation among nations in the Indian Ocean. The Sunayna, with a crew that includes members from India and 16 partner countries, is currently deployed to the Southwest Indian Ocean.
Steaming into Colombo! Following a safe journey across the Bay of Bengal, #IOSSagar (INS Sunayna) has arrived in #SriLanka. This visit strengthens the maritime ties between our countries. #MAHASAGAR
🔗… pic.twitter.com/tn1LtjKWSo— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) May 16, 2026
This marks the ship’s seventh port call in this deployment, which began its sea phase in April 2026 from Mumbai. During this visit, the multinational crew will engage in various cultural and media activities to communicate the goals of their mission.
The ship will welcome visitors, including Sri Lankan Navy personnel, schoolchildren, and members of the Indian community in Colombo. Before leaving on May 18, the crew will take part in a joint naval exercise with the Sri Lanka Navy, reinforcing the friendly ties between the two nations.
The visit underscores India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, showcasing its commitment to fostering peace and security in the Indian Ocean. This initiative is vital, considering the increasing strategic importance of this region. Recent studies show that over 60% of global trade passes through the Indian Ocean, making collaborative efforts essential for stability.
In a world where maritime security is increasingly paramount, such collaborations not only facilitate trade but also enhance regional safety. As countries come together for joint exercises and diplomatic engagements, they lay the groundwork for a secure and prosperous future in this vital area.
For more insights, check the Ministry of Defence’s official statement on this mission [here](https://www.mod.gov.in). This initiative reflects the importance of international collaboration in today’s interconnected world.
Source link
INS SUNAYNA, INDIA SRI LANKA, IOS SAGAR MISSION, INDIAN NAVY, INDIAN NAVAL SHIP SUNAYNA, INDIAN NAVAL SHIP ARRIVES IN SRI LANKA FOR OPERATIONAL DEPLOYMENT
