Synopsis
On April 13, INS Sunayna, an Indian Navy vessel, made its inaugural visit to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, as part of India's initiative to bolster maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region, showcasing international naval partnerships and operational collaboration.Key Takeaways
- INS Sunayna is part of India's IOS SAGAR mission.
- It carries 44 naval personnel from nine Friendly Foreign Nations.
- Participating in Exercise AIKEYME to enhance maritime cooperation.
- Strengthening ties with regional navies.
- Scheduled to depart for Nacala, Mozambique.
New Delhi, April 13 (NationPress) INS Sunayna, known as the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, has docked at the Port of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, signifying India's dedication to enhancing global maritime collaboration and security.
The vessel set sail from Karwar, Goa, on April 5, carrying a total of 44 naval personnel from nine Friendly Foreign Nations (FFNs) within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which includes Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa, arriving at the Port of Dar-es-Salaam on Saturday.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially dispatched INS Sunayna from Karwar on April 5 as part of the IOS SAGAR initiative, carrying 44 personnel from nine friendly foreign navies.
This deployment signifies a new era in maritime collaboration, highlighting India’s pledge to a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Indian Ocean Region, while strengthening naval alliances and regional stability.
Upon its arrival, INS Sunayna was warmly greeted by Rear Admiral A.R. Hassan, Chief of the Tanzanian Navy, Rear Admiral Nirbhay Bapna, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Foreign Cooperation and International Relations), and Commodore Agyapal Singh, Defence Attaché for Tanzania, along with esteemed officials from the Indian High Commission and the Tanzania People's Defence Force (TPDF).
During this port visit, the ship is engaged in the harbour phase of Exercise AIKEYME, a significant naval drill inaugurated by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Sunday.
This exercise aims to enhance operational coordination, refine joint strategies, and improve interoperability in maritime operations.
Two additional Indian Navy vessels, INS Chennai (Destroyer) and INS Kesari (Landing Ship Tank - Large), are also participating in this exercise alongside INS Sunayna.
The presence of personnel from FFNs aboard INS Sunayna emphasizes the importance of this initiative in fostering global maritime cooperation.
Through these exercises and interactions, the Indian Navy remains dedicated to advancing collective maritime security, promoting goodwill, and ensuring the safe and free navigation of shipping lanes in the region.
INS Sunayna is expected to depart from Dar-es-Salaam on April 15, 2025, heading to its next destination at Nacala, Mozambique, to continue its IOS SAGAR mission.
