Port Louis [Mauritius], April 27 (ANI): IOS SAGAR arrived at Port Louis Harbour, Mauritius on Saturday on completion of Phase I of Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with National Coast Guard (NCG) Mauritius as part of deployment to the South Western Indian Ocean, a statement by the Ministry of Defence said.

The visit marks a significant milestone in India's commitment to regional maritime cooperation and capacity-building with friendly foreign countries, the statement said.

Indian Naval Ship Sunayna (IOS SAGAR), which sailed from Karwar on 05 Apr 25, has 44 naval personnel from nine friendly foreign nations of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), including two officers and six sailors from the Republic of Mauritius, as per the statement.

This initiative underlines the Indian Navy's continued efforts to enhance interoperability, mutual learning, and regional maritime security in a spirit of collective growth and cooperation, as per the statement.

The ship and her crew were received with warmth and enthusiasm, reflecting the close and time-tested bonds between India and Mauritius. The welcome reception was graced by Sooroojebally R, PMSM, the Commissioner of Police, and several high-ranking dignitaries of the Prime Minister's Office, Mauritius Police Force, Indian High Commission, and NCG Mauritius. On completion of the welcome ceremony, the dignitaries were given a tour of the ship, which was followed by interaction with personnel embarked from friendly foreign nations.

During the port call, the Commanding Officer, IOS SAGAR, will call on the Commandant, National Coast Guard, the Commissioner of Police and the High Commissioner of India. Various activities are planned during the two-day port call, including the visit by the IOS SAGAR crew to the Maritime Air Squadron, Special Mobile Force Squadron and the Police Helicopter Squadron. The Commissioner of Police will also interact with the multinational crew of IOS SAGAR at Police Headquarters. The ship will be open to visitors on April 27. Activities like trekking, Joint Yoga sessions and friendly sports fixtures have also been planned during the ship's stay at Port Louis.

On departure, the ship will undertake phase II of Joint EEZ surveillance with the NCG Mauritius and, upon completion, proceed to Port Victoria, Seychelles.

INS Sunayna, a state-of-the-art Saryu class NOPV, is designed for anti-piracy operations, maritime surveillance, and HADR. The ship is equipped with medium and close-range gunnery weapons and modern electronic warfare suites, including missile defence measures. She can also carry a helicopter, which enhances her operational and surveillance capability. (ANI)