New Delhi, Mar 18: India has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region with the launch of the second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR exercise on March 16, 2026. The initiative comes shortly after the Indian Navy assumed the chair of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in February, bringing together participation from 16 member nations across the region.
IOS SAGAR is part of India’s broader maritime vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), and aligns with the government’s expanded framework of MAHASAGAR, which seeks mutual and holistic advancement for security across regions. The programme is designed as an operational engagement platform where naval personnel from friendly foreign countries train and sail together aboard an Indian naval vessel.
Under the current edition, participants from 16 partner countries will first undergo professional training at naval establishments in Kochi, focusing on core areas such as seamanship, naval operations and maritime security. This shore-based phase will be followed by joint deployment at sea, where international trainees will integrate with Indian Navy personnel for onboard exercises and operational activities.
The voyage will also include maritime engagements and port calls across the region, facilitating interaction with partner navies and maritime agencies. Officials said these engagements are aimed at strengthening interoperability, promoting the exchange of best practices and building a shared understanding of common maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean. The exercise builds on India’s long-standing efforts to deepen regional maritime cooperation and underscores its strategic focus on ensuring a secure and stable Indo-Pacific.
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