The visit forms part of the Indian Navy initiative aimed at strengthening regional partnerships through its “Bridges of Friendship” mission. IOS Sagar is carrying a unique multinational crew comprising personnel from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar, Singapore, Seychelles, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor Leste, and the United Arab Emirates.
Welcoming the deployment, Rear Admiral Damian Fernando, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy, described IOS Sagar as a timely and significant initiative that reflects the growing need for collective maritime security efforts in the Indian Ocean region.
He emphasized that ensuring stability and security in the Indian Ocean is a shared responsibility among regional nations and highlighted the importance of stronger naval cooperation, joint engagement, and mutual trust among partner countries.
The multinational deployment is also expected to enhance interoperability among participating navies while fostering goodwill and people-to-people ties across the region. The mission demonstrates India’s continuing outreach to friendly maritime nations and its commitment to collaborative security in the Indo-Pacific.
Officials noted that the port call will include professional exchanges, naval interactions, and engagements aimed at further strengthening bilateral and multilateral maritime relations between participating countries.
