27 March,2026 06:16 PM IST | Kochi | mid-day online correspondent
Indian Navy concludes harbour training. (Pic/Special arrangement)
The Indian Navy on Friday successfully concluded the Harbour Training Phase of its IOS SAGAR initiative at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening maritime cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
As per the official statement, the two-week intensive training programme brought together personnel from 16 friendly countries, reinforcing India's commitment to collaborative security and capacity building in a region facing increasingly complex maritime challenges.
The intensive training programme includes piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, natural disasters, and the need to secure vital sea lines of communication.
During the harbour phase, multinational crews underwent comprehensive training across premier Indian Navy institutions. The curriculum covered key operational areas such as seamanship, navigation, communication procedures, safety at sea, firefighting, and damage control. Specialised modules, including Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations and advanced bridgemanship, were also conducted.
A major highlight of the programme was the use of advanced simulators and modern training infrastructure, allowing participants to engage in realistic, scenario-based exercises.
This approach enhanced decision-making skills and operational readiness while ensuring a balance between theoretical learning and practical application.
Training conducted under the aegis of the Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) enabled participating personnel to familiarise themselves with Indian Navy procedures and best practices. The Indian Naval Workup Team also carried out focused sea training modules aimed at improving coordination and interoperability among the participating nations.
Officials said the IOS SAGAR initiative reflects the vision of "One Ocean, One Mission", with participants demonstrating strong professionalism, teamwork, and camaraderie.
The programme also facilitated the exchange of operational experiences and best practices, helping build mutual trust among partner navies.
Following the successful completion of the harbour phase, the initiative will now move into its operational deployment stage. This next phase will include joint exercises at sea and port engagements across the region.
The initiative aligns with India's broader MAHASAGAR vision and reinforces the Indian Navy's position as a key maritime training partner in the IOR. Through such collaborative efforts, the Navy aims to promote a secure, stable, and cooperative maritime environment in the region.
