**Executive Summary**
On 18 May 2026, the Indian Navy’s Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar departed Colombo, Sri Lanka, following a successful three-day port call. The visit aimed to advance the "MAHASAGAR" vision of mutual security and growth while reinforcing the maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka. The deployment concluded with a joint naval exercise as the ship transitioned toward its next destination, Kochi.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Strategic and Diplomatic Engagement**
* The visit advanced India’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
* The Commanding Officer of IOS Sagar held high-level discussions with Sri Lanka Navy leadership regarding regional security and the safety of Indian Ocean sea lanes.
* A deck reception was hosted onboard to facilitate diplomatic engagement and professional interaction among multinational crew members and distinguished guests.
**Community Outreach and Cultural Exchange**
* Public outreach included ship tours for senior Sri Lanka Navy officers, local school children, and members of the Indian diaspora.
* Camaraderie was promoted through a friendly volleyball match between personnel from both navies.
* The crew undertook cultural visits to Galle and Kandy to gain insights into Sri Lankan historical heritage.
**Operational Cooperation**
* Upon departure, IOS Sagar conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Sri Lanka Navy Ship (SLNS) Nandimithra.
* The exercise featured coordinated tactical manoeuvres and communication drills to enhance interoperability and seamanship.
* The ship is currently enroute to Kochi to continue its mission of regional cooperation.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Navy (IOS Sagar)**
**Impact**
The crew benefited from enhanced professional interoperability and strengthened interpersonal bonds with a key regional partner.
**Action Required**
Maintain operational readiness while enroute to Kochi to continue maritime cooperation missions.
**Sri Lanka Navy**
**Impact**
The organization experienced strengthened bilateral ties and improved operational coordination through joint tactical exercises.
**Action Required**
Utilize the outcomes of the PASSEX drills to further enhance future collaborative efforts in regional maritime security.
**Local Sri Lankan Community and Indian Diaspora**
**Impact**
School children and the diaspora gained firsthand exposure to naval operational capabilities, fostering goodwill and cultural understanding.
**Action Required**
No specific action required; the impact remains focused on diplomatic outreach and education.
Key Entities Referenced
MAHASAGAR: India’s maritime vision for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, which guided the ship's deployment.
Indian Navy: The primary branch of the Indian Armed Forces conducting the diplomatic mission, port call, and regional outreach activities.
Sri Lanka Navy: The partner maritime force involved in bilateral discussions, professional engagements, and joint exercises during the port call.
IOS Sagar: The specific Indian Navy vessel that executed the visit to Colombo and participated in maritime cooperation activities.
Passage Exercise (PASSEX): A tactical maritime exercise conducted between Indian and Sri Lankan naval ships to enhance interoperability and operational coordination.
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN OCEAN SHIP SAGAR DEPARTS
COLOMBO AFTER SUCCESSFUL PORT CALL
Posted On: 18 MAY 2026 6:38PM by PIB Delhi
The Indian Navy’s Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar departed Colombo, Sri Lanka on 18 May 2026
following a successful three-day port call, further reinforcing the enduring maritime partnership between
India and Sri Lanka and advancing India’s vision of MAHASAGAR - Mutual and Holistic Advancement
for Security and Growth Across Regions.
During the visit, the Commanding Officer of IOS Sagar called on senior leadership of the Sri Lanka Navy
and held discussions focused on enhancing maritime cooperation, regional security, and collective efforts
towards ensuring safe and secure sea lanes in the Indian Ocean Region.
A deck reception hosted onboard IOS Sagar served as a platform for diplomatic engagement and
strengthened professional interactions among naval personnel and distinguished guests. The event
highlighted the multinational character of the ship’s crew and underscored the spirit of regional
cooperation embodied by the deployment.
As part of outreach activities, IOS Sagar welcomed senior Sri Lanka Navy officers, local school children,
and members of the Indian diaspora onboard, providing them with an opportunity to experience the
operational capabilities and life aboard the ship firsthand.
The visit also featured professional and cultural engagements aimed at fostering camaraderie and mutual
understanding. A friendly volleyball match between the personnel of Sri Lanka Navy and IOS Sagar
promoted esprit de corps and strengthened interpersonal bonds between the two navies. In addition, the
multinational crew undertook cultural visits to Galle and Kandy, gaining deeper insights into Sri Lanka’s
rich cultural and historical heritage.
On departure from Colombo, IOS Sagar participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Sri
Lanka Navy Ship SLNS Nandimithra. The exercise included coordinated tactical manoeuvres and
communication drills designed to enhance interoperability, seamanship, and operational coordination
between the two navies.
IOS Sagar is presently enroute Kochi, continuing its mission of fostering maritime cooperation,
interoperability and friendship among partner nations in the Indian Ocean Region.***
VM/SPS
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