India Hosts 16 Nations for Indian Ocean Naval Exercise IOS SAGAR

Unlike conventional naval exercises, IOS SAGAR focuses on integrated training and real-time collaboration, allowing foreign naval personnel to train and operate alongside Indian Navy crews.

India has launched the second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, bringing together naval personnel from 16 countries in a major push to deepen maritime cooperation and security across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The initiative, which commenced on March 16, 2026, comes shortly after the Indian Navy assumed the chair of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), signalling India’s growing leadership role in regional maritime affairs.

Strengthening Maritime Security Through Cooperation

IOS SAGAR is a flagship operational engagement programme aligned with India’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the broader MAHASAGAR framework, aimed at advancing collective security across maritime regions.

Unlike conventional naval exercises, IOS SAGAR focuses on integrated training and real-time collaboration, allowing foreign naval personnel to train and operate alongside Indian Navy crews.

Unique ‘Train-and-Sail’ Model

At the core of IOS SAGAR is a distinctive model:

• Joint training at naval facilities in Kochi

• Deployment onboard Indian Naval Ships

• Participation in live operational activities at sea

This immersive approach is designed to enhance:

• Interoperability between navies

• Practical understanding of maritime operations

• Professional linkages among participating countries

From Classroom to Sea Operations

The programme begins with professional training interactions at Indian naval establishments, where participants are introduced to:

• Seamanship practices

• Maritime security frameworks

• Operational planning and coordination

This is followed by onboard deployment, where international personnel actively participate in:

• Navigation and ship operations

• Maritime surveillance exercises

• Joint operational drills

Expanding Regional Engagement

During the sea phase, the Indian Naval Ship will undertake:

• Port visits across the region

• Engagements with partner navies and agencies

• Exchange of operational best practices

These interactions aim to build trust, coordination and shared responses to evolving maritime challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking and regional security threats.

India’s Strategic Maritime Leadership

With participation from 16 IONS member nations, IOS SAGAR reinforces India’s role as a key security partner in the Indo-Pacific, promoting:

• Rules-based maritime order

• Regional stability

• Capacity building among partner nations

The initiative also reflects a shift toward collaborative, capability-driven engagement, rather than purely symbolic exercises.

Building a Shared Maritime Future

Officials say IOS SAGAR represents a practical step toward collective maritime preparedness, where nations train together to address common challenges.

By combining training, deployment and diplomatic engagement, the programme is expected to:

• Strengthen regional naval cooperation

• Enhance operational readiness

• Foster long-term strategic partnerships

As maritime security gains prominence in global geopolitics, initiatives like IOS SAGAR are positioning India at the forefront of cooperative security architecture in the Indian Ocean Region.