INS Sunayna Reaches Jakarta, Strengthening India’s Maritime Diplomacy

In a significant demonstration of India's growing maritime engagement in the Indo-Pacific, Indian Navy's Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sunayna arrived at Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 21, 2026, marking the third port call of its ongoing operational deployment under the IOS SAGAR initiative.

The deployment underscores India's strategic outreach across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), combining operational readiness with diplomatic engagement and multinational cooperation.

Multinational Crew Showcases Interoperability at Sea

A unique feature of INS Sunayna's deployment is its multinational crew comprising personnel from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries, reflecting India's commitment to collaborative security frameworks. The ship's successful transit through the strategically critical Malacca and Singapore Straits highlighted high levels of navigational precision and interoperability among diverse naval teams.

This multinational integration is increasingly seen as a model for collective maritime security, particularly in a region facing complex challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and geopolitical tensions.

IOS SAGAR: Operationalising India's MAHASAGAR Vision

The mission is part of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, a key pillar of India's maritime diplomacy aligned with the broader vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

This vision emphasizes:

• Leadership through partnership

• Strength through unity

• Progress through peace

The deployment began with a Harbour Phase (March 16–29, 2026) in India, focusing on planning and coordination, and has now transitioned into the Sea Phase (April–May 2026), which includes port visits to multiple partner nations across the Indian Ocean.

Deepening India–Indonesia Naval Engagement

During its Jakarta port call, INS Sunayna is scheduled to engage extensively with the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) through a series of professional, cultural, and sporting interactions.

Key engagements include:

• Courtesy call by the Commanding Officer to senior leadership at Kodaeral III (Naval Regional Command III)

• Professional knowledge-sharing sessions and operational exchanges

• Joint Yoga sessions promoting wellness and cultural diplomacy

• Friendly sporting events and ship visits by Indonesian stakeholders

• A formal deck reception fostering bilateral ties

These interactions aim to strengthen operational coordination while building mutual trust and people-to-people connections between the two navies.

PASSEX to Enhance Operational Coordination

On departure, INS Sunayna will participate in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Indonesian Navy—a key operational drill designed to enhance tactical coordination, communication, and interoperability between naval forces.

Such exercises are critical in ensuring readiness for joint operations, including humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and maritime security missions.

Strategic Significance in the Indo-Pacific

India's naval outreach through IOS SAGAR aligns with its Neighbourhood First policy and its broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which advocates for a free, open, and inclusive maritime order.

With the Indian Ocean accounting for a major share of global trade and energy flows, strengthening partnerships in the region is increasingly vital for ensuring stability and economic security.

The deployment also reinforces India's role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean, offering capacity-building, training, and cooperative engagement to partner nations.

A Message of Partnership and Shared Security

INS Sunayna's Jakarta visit goes beyond a routine naval stop—it represents a broader diplomatic signal of India's commitment to collective security, regional cooperation, and peaceful progress.

As geopolitical dynamics evolve in the Indo-Pacific, initiatives like IOS SAGAR highlight India's approach: building strength through partnerships while promoting stability through engagement.