Kochi: The Indian Navy’s pioneering initiative, Indian Ocean Ship Sagar (IOS Sagar), successfully concluded its harbour and sea training phase at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. The ship, along with its crew, has now set sail for Karwar, marking a significant milestone in fostering international maritime cooperation.
As part of this unique training program, 44 international trainees from nine friendly foreign countries underwent an intensive training module designed to enhance their naval expertise. The training encompassed fundamental seamanship activities, cutting-edge simulator training, and practical drills in communication, firefighting, damage control, and Visit Board Search & Seize (VBSS) operations. The initiative, under the motto ‘One Ocean, One Mission,’ sought to strengthen camaraderie and interoperability among naval personnel from participating nations.
The program also included advanced simulator-based training, equipping the international trainees with the skills necessary to tackle dynamic maritime challenges. Beyond technical training, the interaction provided an invaluable platform for the exchange of best practices and operational strategies among the participating navies.
To further immerse the international crew in operational scenarios, they participated in sea training exercises alongside Indian Navy personnel on INS Sunayna. Conducted by the Indian Naval Work Up team, this phase aimed to familiarize trainees with Indian Navy systems and procedures, ensuring seamless integration during future deployments.
Over the past decades, India’s maritime training institutions have imparted knowledge to more than 20,000 officers and sailors from over 50 friendly foreign countries. These training efforts have significantly contributed to enhancing regional maritime expertise and operational capabilities.
The IOS Sagar initiative stands as a testament to India’s commitment to bolstering maritime security, fostering regional stability, and promoting strategic partnerships across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). By deepening cooperation with regional navies, the Indian Navy continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening collective maritime interests and capacity building efforts among partner nations.
