IOS SAGAR deployment ends as INS Sunayna returns to Kochi with crew from 16 partner nations
On 20 May 2026 INS Sunayna returned to Kochi, ending the IOS SAGAR deployment, a multinational Indian Ocean mission with 38 personnel from 16 partner nations.
Summary
INS Sunayna returned to Kochi on 20 May 2026 for the flag-in ceremony that ended the Indian Navy's IOS SAGAR deployment across the Indian Ocean Region. The mission carried 38 personnel from 16 partner nations, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the UAE, under the motto 'One Ocean, One Mission'. VAdm Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, was the chief guest. The Navy linked the mission to India's maritime visions of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
Key facts
- Ship
- INS Sunayna (as IOS SAGAR)
- Flag-in
- 20 May 2026, Kochi
- Multinational crew
- 38 personnel from 16 partner nations
- Motto
- 'One Ocean, One Mission'
- Chief guest
- VAdm Sameer Saxena, FOC-in-C, Southern Naval Command
- SAGAR
- Security and Growth for All in the Region
- MAHASAGAR
- Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The IOS SAGAR deployment, which ended at Kochi on 20 May 2026, carried 38 personnel from how many partner nations?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 16
PIB: the joint mission had 38 personnel from 16 partner nations.
Which Indian Navy ship undertook the IOS SAGAR deployment that ended in May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — INS Sunayna
INS Sunayna sailed as IOS SAGAR and returned to Kochi on 20 May 2026.