Kochi, January 17. The Indian Navy’s marine research vessel INS Sagardhwani has been dispatched from the Southern Naval Command in Kochi for the fifth edition of the ‘Sagar Maitri’ initiative. This mission aligns with India’s maritime research goals and aims to strengthen scientific collaboration among countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The ceremony was presided over by Radha Mohan Singh, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence. Senior officials from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), including Secretary and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat, and Chief of Staff of the Southern Naval Command Rear Admiral Upal Kundu (VSM), were also in attendance.
The ‘Sagar Maitri’ initiative represents a significant joint effort between the Indian Navy and DRDO, reflecting the Indian government’s ‘Sagar’ policy, which promotes security and development in the region. The mission aims to enhance scientific cooperation, capacity building, and socio-economic engagement among the countries in the IOR.
During this mission, INS Sagardhwani will follow the historical routes of INS Kistna, which participated in international Indian Ocean campaigns from 1962 to 1965. Through this initiative, India seeks to establish long-term scientific partnerships with eight countries in the Indian Ocean region, including Oman, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Myanmar. This mission also signifies the beginning of joint marine research with the Maldives, providing opportunities for research and professional exchange among scientists from these nations.
INS Sagardhwani is a specialized marine acoustic research vessel designed by the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). Since its induction into service in July 1994, the vessel has played a crucial role in oceanic studies and marine research, significantly contributing to India’s maritime scientific capabilities.