The Indian Navy has launched the second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, marking a significant step in reinforcing maritime collaboration and regional security across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Commencing on March 16, the initiative highlights India’s growing role as a key maritime partner and underscores its commitment to cooperative security frameworks.
The latest edition comes soon after India assumed the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium in February 2026. With participation from 16 member nations, IOS SAGAR 2 is expected to enhance strategic ties and foster closer engagement among regional navies at a time when maritime security challenges are becoming increasingly complex.
At its core, the IOS SAGAR initiative is aligned with India’s broader vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region, which emphasizes collective development and stability in the Indian Ocean. It also reflects the expanded strategic framework of MAHASAGAR, aimed at promoting inclusive growth and coordinated responses to regional threats.
IOS SAGAR is designed as a unique operational engagement programme that allows naval personnel from partner nations to train and sail together aboard Indian naval ships. This collaborative model enables participants to develop interoperability, share operational insights, and build professional camaraderie. By integrating training with real-time deployment, the initiative goes beyond conventional exercises and provides a hands-on learning experience.
The programme begins with a comprehensive training phase in Kochi, a major hub for naval training in India. During this phase, participants are introduced to various aspects of naval operations, including seamanship, navigation, and maritime security practices. Training is conducted at Indian Navy establishments, offering exposure to advanced systems and operational doctrines.
Following the training sessions, participants embark on onboard deployment, where they sail alongside Indian Navy personnel. This phase is crucial as it allows foreign naval officers and sailors to actively engage in operational activities at sea, ranging from navigation drills to coordinated maritime exercises. Such immersive exposure is expected to strengthen mutual understanding and improve joint operational capabilities.
In addition to onboard activities, the IOS SAGAR voyage will include a series of maritime engagements and port visits across the region. These interactions will provide opportunities for dialogue and cooperation with partner navies, maritime agencies, and local stakeholders. The visits are also aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and promoting goodwill among participating countries.
According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the initiative seeks to build strong professional linkages among participating nations while encouraging the exchange of best practices. It also aims to develop a shared understanding of maritime challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, and disaster response.
The Indian Ocean Region remains a critical global maritime corridor, handling a significant portion of international trade and energy flows. As such, maintaining peace, stability, and secure sea lanes is a shared priority for countries in the region. Initiatives like IOS SAGAR play an important role in fostering trust, enhancing coordination, and ensuring collective preparedness.
With IOS SAGAR 2, India continues to position itself as a proactive maritime partner committed to regional stability and cooperation. By bringing together diverse naval forces under a common platform, the initiative reinforces the importance of collaboration in addressing evolving maritime threats and opportunities.
As the programme progresses, it is expected to further deepen relationships among participating nations and contribute to a more secure and resilient Indian Ocean Region.