Karwar (Karnataka), Apr 5 (UNI) Marking a significant evolution in India's maritime vision, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday flagged off the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar Mission from here, declaring that the nation has now moved from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR — from regional outreach to broader, holistic maritime cooperation.
"Now that India has transitioned from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR, there could be no better moment to launch the voyage of IOS SAGAR," Rajnath said, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new initiative — MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) — as an expansion of India's long-standing SAGAR vision.
The Defence Minister flagged-off Indian Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel 'INS Sunayna' as part of the IOS SAGAR mission, a multinational maritime engagement involving 44 naval personnel from nine friendly Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations — Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
He also inaugurated modern operational, repair and logistic facilities constructed under Project Seabird, worth over Rs 2,000 crore, boosting the Navy’s operational footprint on the western seaboard.
Describing IOS SAGAR as a reflection of India's commitment to peace, prosperity and collective security, Rajnath told IOR representatives that India’s maritime vision goes beyond safeguarding national interests.
"Our Navy ensures that in the IOR, no nation suppresses another on the basis of overwhelming economy or military power. We protect sovereignty and promote equality of rights and duties," he said.
He lauded the Indian Navy for emerging as the first responder during crises such as hijackings and piracy in the region.
"Free navigation, rule-based order, anti-piracy and securing peace are among our biggest maritime objectives," he said, adding that India is determined to develop the IOR as a symbol of brotherhood and shared interest.
INS Sunayna will visit Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis and Port Victoria during its voyage. Sea-riders from partner nations will undergo training in firefighting, damage control, seamanship, and more — aimed at improving interoperability and deepening maritime ties.
The launch also coincides with the 10th anniversary of the SAGAR initiative and National Maritime Day, which commemorates the 1919 voyage of India's first merchant ship, SS Loyalty.
"It’s a proud moment to see India leading the charge for regional cooperation on the same date we mark our maritime legacy," Rajnath noted.
Rajnath also dedicated critical infrastructure under Project Seabird, including marine berthing facilities for ships and submarines, an armament wharf, two refit piers, 480 residential units, and support systems such as road networks, drainage, reservoirs and security towers.
Over 90 percent of the materials used were sourced domestically, reflecting the central government's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The development is expected to generate economic activity and support local industries in the Uttar Kannada region.
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