Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday flagged off the Indian Navy’s new mission, IOS SAGAR, and inaugurated multiple infrastructure developments worth nearly ₹2,000 crore at the strategically important Karwar naval base in Karnataka.During his address at the event, Singh described the launch of IOS SAGAR as indicative of India’s dedication to peace, prosperity, and collective maritime security.
“Along with other stakeholders, Indian Navy is ensuring peace and prosperity in the region,” Singh stated, adding that India aims to make the Indian Ocean Region “more peaceful and prosperous.”
“This is not only related to our security and national interests, but also reflects the principle of equal rights and responsibilities among friendly nations in the region,” he said.”Our Navy ensures that no nation in the Indian Ocean Region dominates another through superior economic or military power. India ensures that nations’ interests are safeguarded without compromising their sovereignty,” Singh added.INS Sunayna, deployed as IOS SAGAR, departed from the Karwar base carrying crew members from India and nine other countries on a deployment of nearly one month in the south-western Indian Ocean Region (IOR).The crew comprises around 120 personnel. Training sessions held prior to deployment have already contributed to building camaraderie and mutual understanding among the crew members.Among the 120 personnel are 44 naval staff from nine friendly foreign nations: Sri Lanka, Kenya, Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and Tanzania.Before the ship’s departure, Singh interacted with its crew onboard.Following the interaction, Singh addressed naval officers and other personnel, commending the IOS SAGAR crew as more than just sailors—calling them “heroes” who would lead the mission to “greater glory” and show that regional security can be enhanced through collaboration.IOS SAGAR aims to maintain ongoing cooperation with IOR countries, aligned with India’s vision of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions (MAHASAGAR).It also highlights India’s role as a “preferred security partner” and a “first responder” in the Indian Ocean Region.During his visit, Singh also inaugurated a range of infrastructure projects developed under the Indian Navy’s Project Seabird.According to a senior Navy official, quoted by new agency PTI, infrastructure valued at nearly ₹2,000 crore was unveiled, including nine piers, advanced marine utilities and trunk facilities, and 480 residential units for sailors and defence civilian personnel.Singh also participated in the initial phase of the Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 during his visit and addressed the assembled commanders.”It is our responsibility to ensure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific as the region has become a focal point for the world,” he told them.With inputs from PTI
