**Summary of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR’s Visit to Phuket, Thailand**
**Overview**
On April 17, 2026, the Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sunayna, designated as IOS SAGAR, concluded a high-tempo three-day Operational Turnaround (OTR) in Phuket, Thailand. This visit represented the second port call of the vessel’s current deployment, aimed at strengthening bilateral naval cooperation between India and Thailand.
**Key Engagements and Activities**
* **Strategic Meetings:** Commander Siddharth Chaudhary, Commanding Officer of INS Sunayna, met with Rear Admiral Sathaporn Wajarat, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Third Naval Area Command. The discussion focused on reaffirming maritime cooperation commitments.
* **Professional and Cultural Exchange:** Collaborative activities included a joint Yoga session and a friendly football match between crew members of IOS SAGAR and the RTN.
* **Diplomatic Outreach:** A formal deck reception was hosted on the ship for senior naval dignitaries to discuss regional security and the IOS SAGAR mission. Additionally, the vessel was opened to public visitors to foster people-to-people connections.
* **Operational Exercises:** Upon departure, IOS SAGAR conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the HTMS Klongyai. The exercise demonstrated operational interoperability through communication drills and formation maneuvers, highlighting "plug-and-play" capabilities.
**Strategic Framework**
The visit was aligned with India’s **MAHASAGAR** vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which emphasizes enduring maritime partnerships and regional security.
**Current Status and Next Destination**
Following the departure from Phuket, IOS SAGAR has proceeded to **Jakarta, Indonesia**, for its next scheduled port of call to continue its mission of enhancing maritime cooperation in the Southeast Indian Ocean Region.
**Administrative Details**
* **Posting Date:** 19 APR 2026, 1:06 PM
* **Issuing Authority:** PIB Delhi, Ministry of Defence
* **Release ID:** 2253510
* **Visitor Counter:** 454
* **Reference Codes:** VM/SKY
Key Entities Referenced
MAHASAGAR: An Indian maritime vision for 'Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions' that guides international naval cooperation and regional security.
INS Sunayna: The Indian Naval Ship (referred to as IOS SAGAR) tasked with the operational turnaround deployment to strengthen maritime ties in the Southeast Indian Ocean Region.
Royal Thai Navy (RTN): The primary international partner organization for bilateral naval cooperation, professional engagements, and joint exercises during the mission.
Ministry of Defence: The primary Indian government ministry overseeing the naval deployment and the broader maritime strategic objectives.
Passage Exercise (PASSEX): A specific operational exercise conducted with HTMS Klongyai to demonstrate interoperability and coordination between the Indian and Thai navies.
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN OCEAN SHIP SAGAR DEPARTS PHUKET,
THAILAND
Posted On: 19 APR 2026 1:06PM by PIB Delhi
Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR - INS Sunayna departed Phuket, Thailand on 17 Apr 2026 on
completion of a high-tempo three-day Operational Turnaround (OTR), marking the successful
culmination of her second port call during the ongoing deployment.
During the visit to Phuket, IOS SAGAR undertook a series of professional, strategic and cultural
engagements with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), significantly strengthening bilateral naval
cooperation. Commander Siddharth Chaudhary, Commanding Officer, INS Sunayna called on Rear
Admiral Sathaporn Wajarat, Chief of Staff of the Third Naval Area Command, RTN, reaffirming
shared commitment towards maritime cooperation.
Professional and interpersonal ties were enhanced through a friendly football match and a joint Yoga
session, participated by crew from IOS Sagar and RTN. A formal deck reception hosted onboard was
attended by senior naval dignitaries, facilitating a platform for sharing insights on the IOS Sagar mission
and discussions on maritime cooperation and regional security. The ship was opened to visitors, promoting
people-to-people connect.
During a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with HTMS Klongyai, operational interoperability was
demonstrated, which included communication drills and formation manoeuvres, highlighting seamless
coordination and “plug-and-play” capability between the two navies. The visit underscores the strong and
enduring maritime partnership between India and Thailand, aligned with the MAHASAGAR vision of
Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
IOS SAGAR has now proceeded to Jakarta, Indonesia, for the next port of call, continuing her
mission to strengthen maritime cooperation in the Southeast Indian Ocean Region.****
VM/SKY
(Release ID: 2253510) Visitor Counter : 454
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