**Executive Summary**
This report summarizes the successful completion of a port call by the Indian Navy ship INS Sunayna (deployed under the IOS SAGAR initiative) in Chattogram, Bangladesh, on 10 May 2026. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation through professional engagements, cultural exchanges, and operational exercises. Following its departure, the ship is continuing its regional deployment with its next scheduled stop in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Diplomatic and Professional Engagements**
* The Commanding Officer of IOS Sagar met with senior Bangladesh Navy (BN) officials, including the Commander BN Fleet (COMBAN) and Commander Chattogram Naval Area (COMCHIT).
* Personnel from both navies participated in cross-deck visits and professional exchanges regarding maritime best practices.
* Senior leadership from both nations attended deck receptions hosted both onboard the Indian vessel and by the Bangladesh Navy.
**Educational and Social Activities**
* The crew visited the Bangladesh Naval Academy to interact with officer cadets and faculty members.
* Camaraderie was enhanced through friendly sporting activities and mutual cultural engagements between personnel.
**Operational Cooperation**
* Upon departure, IOS Sagar conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with BNS Protoy and Bangladesh Navy air assets.
* The exercise focused on coordinated maritime drills and advanced surface manoeuvres to improve interoperability between the two navies.
* The deployment includes personnel from 16 partner nations, highlighting a multilateral commitment to security in the Indian Ocean Region.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Navy (INS Sunayna / IOS SAGAR)**
**Impact**
The mission successfully bolstered bilateral maritime objectives and demonstrated the Indian Navy’s commitment to regional stability. It provided a platform for personnel from 16 partner nations to engage in real-world maritime cooperation.
**Action Required**
The vessel must maintain its operational schedule as it proceeds to its next port of call in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
**Bangladesh Navy (BN)**
**Impact**
The BN benefited from enhanced interoperability through joint drills and the exchange of professional best practices. The visit also provided educational exposure for cadets at the Bangladesh Naval Academy.
**Action Required**
The BN will continue to coordinate with regional partners to ensure peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region based on the commitments reaffirmed during the visit.
Key Entities Referenced
SAGAR initiative: A strategic vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region) under which the Indian Navy ship was deployed to foster maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
Ministry of Defence: The primary Indian government ministry overseeing the naval deployment and bilateral maritime engagements.
Passage Exercise (PASSEX): A coordinated maritime drill conducted between the Indian Navy and Bangladesh Navy to enhance interoperability and operational cooperation.
Chattogram, Bangladesh: The central location of the port call and bilateral activities, serving as the focal point for this diplomatic and military engagement.
Ministry of Defence
IOS SAGAR DEPARTS CHATTOGRAM AFTER
SUCCESSFUL PORT CALL IN BANGLADESH
Posted On: 12 MAY 2026 4:23PM by PIB Delhi
Indian Navy’s INS Sunayna, deployed under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, departed
Chattogram, Bangladesh, on 10 May 2026 after a successful port call marked by professional
engagements, maritime cooperation, and cultural exchanges with the Bangladesh Navy (BN). The ship is
presently enroute to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The departure was marked by a ceremonial send-off by the
Bangladesh Navy.
During the visit, the Commanding Officer of IOS Sagar called on senior Bangladesh Navy officials, including Commander BN
Fleet (COMBAN) and Commander Chattogram Naval Area (COMCHIT), to further strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation and
regional maritime objectives. A deck reception hosted onboard the ship brought together senior leadership of the Bangladesh
Navy, while the visiting crew also attended a reception hosted by the BN.
Professional interactions included cross-deck visits and exchanges of Best Practices between personnel of both Navies. The
crew of IOS Sagar also visited the Bangladesh Naval Academy and interacted with officer cadets and faculty members. Friendly
sporting activities and cultural engagements further enhanced mutual understanding and camaraderie between the two Navies.
On departure from Chattogram, IOS Sagar participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with BNS Protoy and
Bangladesh Navy air assets. The exercise included coordinated maritime drills and advanced surface manoeuvres aimed at
enhancing interoperability and operational cooperation between the two Navies.
The visit and subsequent PASSEX underscore the shared commitment of India and Bangladesh towards ensuring peace,
stability, and security in the Indian Ocean Region. With personnel from 16 partner nations embarked onboard, IOS Sagar
continues its operational deployment in the region with its next port of call at Colombo, Sri Lanka._____________________________________________________________
VM/SPS 96/26
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