In a significant boost to India’s maritime diplomacy, INS Sagar Dhvani, the Indian Navy’s advanced survey vessel, was formally commissioned and departed from Kochi Naval Base today for the prestigious SAGAR Maitri-5 mission. This voyage underscores New Delhi’s commitment to the ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR) initiative, aimed at fostering cooperation and capacity-building among friendly island nations.
The ceremony, attended by top naval brass and dignitaries, marked the culmination of rigorous preparations for this multi-nation hydrographic expedition. INS Sagar Dhvani, equipped with state-of-the-art oceanographic and bathymetric survey tools, will collaborate with partner navies to map uncharted waters, enhance navigational safety, and support sustainable marine resource management.
Captain Suchinder Singh, the ship’s commanding officer, highlighted the mission’s dual role in technical expertise sharing and strengthening bilateral ties. ‘This deployment is more than a survey; it’s a testament to India’s role as a first responder and reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region,’ he stated during the send-off.
The SAGAR Maitri series, now in its fifth edition, has previously covered critical sea lanes around Mauritius, Seychelles, and Tanzania. This iteration will focus on deepening engagements in the Western Indian Ocean, contributing vital data for global shipping routes amid rising geopolitical tensions.
As INS Sagar Dhvani steams towards its destinations, it carries the hopes of bolstering regional stability. Naval experts predict the mission will yield high-resolution seabed maps, aiding disaster preparedness and exclusive economic zone delineations. This proactive step reaffirms India’s blue-water navy ambitions and its pivotal position in Indo-Pacific security architecture.