Indian Navy’s offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna arrived in Male.

Indian Navy’s offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna arrived in Male.

• This is a part of its deployment under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative.
• This marks the first port call of its current mission and reinforces maritime ties between India and the Maldives.
• The ship was welcomed by the Maldives National Defence Force.
• Two MNDF personnel are onboard the ship. They are part of the multinational crew.
• Crew members come from 16 friendly countries.
• They undertook intensive training exercises, including seamanship drills, small arms firing, and damage control operations.
• The aim was to improve interoperability, collective readiness, and maritime collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region.
• A Passage Exercise (PASSEX) between INS Sunayna and the MNDF Coast Guard is also scheduled.
• It is aimed at improving coordination and joint operational capabilities.
• Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth flagged off INS Sunayna from Mumbai on 2 April.
• Its deployment is guided by the principle of “One Ocean, One Mission.”