INS Sunayna Arrives in Mozambique Under IOS SAGAR Mission to Strengthen Maritime Ties

INS Sunayna, currently deployed as part of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR mission, arrived at Nacala Port, Mozambique, on 17 April 2025. This visit is part of India’s broader maritime diplomacy initiative under the Government of India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision.

The ship had earlier participated in the inaugural session of the India-Africa maritime partnership exercise, AIKEYME 25, held in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

Flagged off from Karwar on 5 April by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, INS Sunayna embarked 44 naval personnel from nine partner nations: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Maldives, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa, symbolizing a collective commitment to regional maritime cooperation.

Upon arrival at Nacala Port, the ship was warmly received by Commander Nelson H. Mabjaia, Chief of Commission, alongside a ceremonial welcome by the Mozambique Naval Band.

During the port call, a host of collaborative and outreach activities are planned with the Mozambique Navy. These include:

• Joint training on Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations

• Firefighting and damage control drills

• Community interaction programs like yoga sessions, guided ship tours, and interschool quiz competitions

• A deck reception hosting local dignitaries and officials

• A guided tour for military cadets from the Nampula Military Academy

These efforts are aimed at enhancing interoperability, operational synergy, and promoting people-to-people connections.

Before departure, INS Sunayna will embark personnel from the Mozambique Navy as Sea Riders for a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance mission, reinforcing mutual commitment to maritime security and combating non-traditional threats in the region.

This visit marks a significant milestone in India-Mozambique naval cooperation and further solidifies India's enduring role as a key maritime partner in the Indian Ocean Region under the SAGAR initiative.