21 April,2026 05:54 PM IST | Jakarta | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/Special Arrangement
The INS Sunayna, an offshore patrol vessel of the Indian Navy, arrived in Jakarta on Tuesday as part of its ongoing operational deployment in the Indian Ocean Region under the IOS SAGAR initiative.
The visit marks the third port call of the vessel during its current mission, which aims to enhance maritime cooperation and regional engagement with partner nations.
INS Sunayna is carrying a multinational crew drawn from 16 friendly foreign countries, reflecting India's growing emphasis on collaborative maritime security. The vessel navigated through the strategically significant Malacca and Singapore Straits before reaching Jakarta, demonstrating coordinated seamanship and interoperability among participating personnel.
The transit through these busy international waterways is considered operationally significant, given their importance to global trade and maritime security.
The deployment is part of India's IOS SAGAR (Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR) initiative, which aligns with the broader MAHASAGAR vision - "Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions." The initiative focuses on strengthening partnerships, enhancing maritime cooperation, and promoting stability across the Indian Ocean Region.
The mission previously completed its Harbour Phase in India between March 16 and 29 and has now entered the Sea Phase, scheduled from April to May, which includes visits to multiple partner nations.
During its stay in Jakarta, INS Sunayna will undertake a series of professional and cultural engagements with the Indonesian Navy, known as Indonesian Navy.
The Commanding Officer of the vessel is scheduled to meet senior leadership at Kodaeral III (Naval Regional Command III). Planned activities include professional exchanges, joint yoga sessions, sporting events, and ship visits for stakeholders. A formal deck reception is also expected to be hosted onboard.
A Passage Exercise (PASSEX) between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy is planned upon the ship's departure, aimed at enhancing operational coordination and maritime readiness.
The deployment underscores India's Neighbourhood First policy and its commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Officials said such engagements contribute to building trust, improving interoperability, and fostering long-term maritime partnerships between regional navies.
The visit is seen as another step in strengthening defence and maritime ties between India and Indonesia amid evolving strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
