INS Sunayna Strengthens Maritime Diplomacy with Singapore Port Call Under SAGAR Mission

India’s maritime outreach in the Indo-Pacific gathered momentum as INS Sunayna, deployed as part of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR mission, arrived at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, on April 26, 2026, marking its fourth international port call.

The deployment, aligned with India’s MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), underscores New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, interoperability, and maritime security across the Indian Ocean Region.

Multinational Crew, Regional Mission

INS Sunayna is operating with a multinational crew drawn from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), reflecting India’s collaborative approach to maritime engagement.

Before reaching Singapore, the vessel had already completed successful port calls at:

• Malé (Maldives)

• Phuket (Thailand)

• Jakarta (Indonesia)

Each stop has focused on enhancing cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and joint maritime awareness.

Warm Welcome Reinforces India-Singapore Ties

The ship’s arrival in Singapore was marked by a warm reception, highlighting the strong and growing maritime partnership between India and Singapore.

India’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Dr. Shilpak Ambule, visited the vessel and commended the crew for their role in advancing India’s maritime diplomacy and fostering regional collaboration under the SAGAR framework.

Commanding Officer Commander Siddharth Chaudhary paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Kranji War Memorial, and held discussions with Colonel Chuah Meng Soon, Commander of the 9th Flotilla of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), to explore avenues for deeper naval cooperation.

Engaging Communities and Promoting Maritime Awareness

As part of its outreach, INS Sunayna opened its decks to visitors, including:

• Schoolchildren

• Social media influencers

giving them a firsthand glimpse into life at sea and the operational role of the Indian Navy.

A highlight of the visit was the ‘One Ocean, One Mission’ run held on April 27, bringing together the ship’s crew and members of the Indian diaspora in Singapore to promote maritime awareness and unity.

Professional Exchanges with Singapore Navy

The visit also includes a series of professional and technical engagements with the Republic of Singapore Navy, aimed at strengthening interoperability and sharing best practices.

Planned activities include:

• Visits to navigation and damage control simulators

• Interaction with the Information Fusion Centre

• Tours of the Singapore Navy Museum

Additional engagements such as a joint yoga session, think tank discussions onboard, and a formal deck reception are expected to deepen collaboration between the two maritime partners.

Continuing Mission Across the Indian Ocean

INS Sunayna is scheduled to depart Singapore on April 29, 2026, continuing its deployment aimed at promoting collective security, regional stability, and maritime cooperation.

The IOS SAGAR mission reflects India’s broader strategic vision of fostering “Security and Growth for All in the Region”, reinforcing its role as a key maritime partner in the Indo-Pacific.