In News:

India has reinforced its maritime diplomacy and regional security engagement with the commencement of the second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative on 16 March 2026. The initiative reflects India’s evolving role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

About IOS SAGAR Initiative

The Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR is a maritime security cooperation programme aimed at enhancing collaboration among Indian Ocean nations.

• It enables naval personnel from friendly foreign countries to train and sail together onboard an Indian Naval Ship.
• It is conducted under the broader vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
• It also aligns with the expanded framework of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions).

Institutional Context

• The initiative is linked to the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a key multilateral naval cooperation platform.
• India assumed the chairmanship of IONS in February 2026, enhancing its leadership role in regional maritime governance.
• The current edition includes participation from 16 IONS member nations.

Key Features of IOS SAGAR

1. Unique Operational Engagement

• Combines training, joint sailing, and operational exposure
• Promotes interoperability and coordination among partner navies

2. Capacity Building and Training

• Initial phase includes professional training at Indian Naval establishments in Kochi
• Covers:
  • Seamanship practices
  • Maritime security concepts
  • Naval operations

3. Sea Deployment and Joint Operations

• Participants embark on an Indian Naval Ship
• Engage in:
  • Joint maritime operations
  • Real-time naval exercises
  • Shipboard activities

4. Maritime Engagement and Diplomacy

• Includes port visits and interactions with regional navies and agencies
• Facilitates:
  • Exchange of best practices
  • Strengthening of professional networks
  • Greater understanding of shared maritime challenges

In News:

India’s Maiden India-Africa Naval Exercise: Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar & AIKEYME.

Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar

• Launched: April 5 – May 8, 2025
• Vessel: INS Sunayna (Offshore Patrol Vessel)
• Objective: Maritime security cooperation in the Southwest Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
• Participants:India + 9 African & IOR nations:Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa
• Activities:

• Port Visits: Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania), Nacala (Mozambique), Port Louis (Mauritius), Port Victoria (Seychelles), Male (Maldives)
• Joint EEZ Surveillance: With Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Seychelles
• Training: Personnel from participating countries trained at Indian naval institutions in Kochi on operations, navigation, and maritime security

AIKEYME (Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement)

• Meaning: "Unity" (from Sanskrit)
• Type: First Multilateral Naval Exercise between India and African nations
• Duration: Six days in mid-April 2025
• Co-hosts: Indian Navy and Tanzania People's Defence Force (TPDF)
• Inauguration: By Indian Defence Minister at Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
• Participants:India + 10 African nations:Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania
• Exercise Phases:
  • Harbour Phase:
    • Table-top exercises
    • Command post exercises on piracy and information sharing
    • Training in Seamanship and Visit, Board, Search & Seizure (VBSS)
  • Sea Phase:
    • Maritime security drills
    • Search and Rescue (SAR)
    • Small arms firing
    • Helicopter operations

Strategic Context & Broader Framework

SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) – 2015

• Aim: Promote a free, open, inclusive and secure Indo-Pacific
• Key Pillars:
  • Countering China's influence in the region
  • Enhancing maritime security (anti-piracy, anti-terrorism)
  • Capacity building in disaster management and infrastructure
  • Promoting regional economic and connectivity projects

MAHASAGAR Initiative

• Announced by PM Modi in Mauritius
• Stands for Advancement for Security Across the Regions
• Focuses on bolstering maritime security partnerships across the Indian Ocean

Key Supporting Indian Initiatives

• Mission SAGAR: Delivered COVID-19 aid to Indian Ocean nations
• Vaccine Maitri: Supplied vaccines to neighbours like Maldives and Bhutan
• South Asia Satellite: Enhanced communication & disaster response
• Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project: Boosted India-Myanmar-Southeast Asia connectivity