Maritime News: Indian Navy’s INS Sunayna, deployed under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, departed Chattogram, Bangladesh, after completing a multi-dimensional port visit focused on maritime cooperation, professional exchanges and regional naval engagement.
The vessel departed on May 10, 2026, and is currently en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka, its next operational destination under the ongoing regional deployment. The departure was marked by a ceremonial send-off hosted by the Bangladesh Navy.
Maritime Cooperation and Bilateral Naval Engagements
During the visit, the Commanding Officer of IOS SAGAR held discussions with senior Bangladesh Navy leadership, including:
- Commander Bangladesh Navy Fleet (COMBAN)
- Commander Chattogram Naval Area (COMCHIT)
The interactions focused on strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation and advancing shared regional security objectives in the Indian Ocean Region.
A formal deck reception hosted onboard IOS SAGAR brought together senior Bangladesh Navy officials and maritime stakeholders, while Indian naval personnel also attended a reception organised by the Bangladesh Navy.
Professional Exchanges and Naval Training Interactions
The port call included several professional interactions between the two navies, including:
- cross-deck visits
- exchange of best operational practices
- officer-level engagements
- naval training discussions
Crew members from IOS SAGAR also visited the Bangladesh Naval Academy, where they interacted with officer cadets and faculty members.
Friendly sports fixtures and cultural activities were organised to strengthen camaraderie and improve mutual understanding between personnel of both navies.
PASSEX Conducted with Bangladesh Navy
Following its departure from Chattogram, IOS SAGAR participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) alongside BNS Protoy and Bangladesh Navy air assets.
The exercise included:
- coordinated maritime drills
- advanced surface manoeuvres
- operational communication exercises
- interoperability procedures
The PASSEX was aimed at improving operational coordination and strengthening maritime interoperability between the Indian and Bangladesh navies.
Strengthening Security in the Indian Ocean Region
The visit highlights the growing maritime partnership between India and Bangladesh amid evolving strategic dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region.
Officials stated that the deployment under the IOS SAGAR initiative reflects the shared commitment of both countries towards:
- maritime security
- regional stability
- operational cooperation
- safe sea lanes in the Indian Ocean
Notably, IOS SAGAR currently carries personnel from 16 partner nations, underscoring India’s broader regional maritime engagement and collaborative naval diplomacy efforts.
India Expanding Regional Maritime Outreach
The Indian Navy has increasingly expanded its maritime engagement across the Indian Ocean Region through:
- bilateral naval exercises
- humanitarian missions
- coordinated patrols
- regional interoperability initiatives
The IOS SAGAR deployment forms part of India’s wider strategic outreach aimed at reinforcing regional maritime partnerships and ensuring stability across critical sea routes.
Statistics Highlighted in Article
- IOS SAGAR carrying personnel from 16 partner nations
- Indian coastline exceeds 11,000 km (contextual maritime relevance)
- Nearly 95% of India’s trade by volume moves through maritime routes (strategic context)
