As part of India’s larger SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) effort, the Indian Navy’s Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, represented by INS Sunayna, wrapped off a noteworthy three-day port call at Nacala, Mozambique.
India’s dedication to bolstering marine alliances, improving regional security, and promoting interpersonal relationships throughout the Indian Ocean Region is demonstrated by this deployment.
IOS SAGAR participated in a wide range of cultural and professional events while there. Among these were combined training sessions with the Mozambique Armed Forces, which emphasized diving exercises, firefighting, damage control, and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations.
By strengthening operational synergy and capacity building, these cooperative exercises sought to improve interoperability between the two fleets and directly boost Mozambique’s maritime security capabilities.
The Indian Navy placed a high priority on community and humanitarian outreach in addition to professional interactions. Essential healthcare services were provided to the local populace through the organization of medical camps.
To further demonstrate the Navy’s dedication to social responsibility, the crew also carried out outreach programs at a nearby orphanage in Nacala. Additional activities included a wellness-promoting yoga class, ship visits for Indian diaspora and local schoolchildren, a quiz on marine knowledge for kids, and escorted excursions for Nampula Military Academy military cadets.
High-level contacts during the tour included a deck celebration honoring marine brotherhood and goodwill for local politicians and dignitaries. With 44 navy troops from nine allied nations—including Comoros, Kenya, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa—boarding INS Sunayna, the operation was notable for its international crew.
In view of changing regional dynamics, its multinational composition demonstrates India’s intention to develop enduring relationships and mutual trust with African maritime forces.
Mozambican naval personnel were scheduled to accompany INS Sunayna for joint surveillance missions in Mozambique’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) after the port call was over. This would reinforce both countries’ shared commitment to maritime security and combat non-traditional threats like illegal trafficking and piracy.
The recent Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME 25) exercise and the IOS SAGAR mission demonstrate India’s proactive attitude to inclusive prosperity and regional security. In order to further the SAGAR vision of collective security, stability, and prosperity for all littoral states, the Indian Navy continues to establish itself as a first responder and preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region by combining capacity-building, operational training, and humanitarian outreach.
