<p>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Indian Navy's offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna (IOS SAGAR) — a multi‑role ship deployed for maritime security and diplomatic outreach (GS2: Polity)">INS Sunayna (IOS SAGAR)</span> left Malé on <strong>08 Apr 2026</strong>, marking the latest step in the growing <span class="key-term" data-definition="Co‑operation between two nations to enhance naval cooperation, trade routes and security (GS3: International Relations)">maritime partnership</span> between India and the Maldives.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Conducted a <span class="key-term" data-definition="Passage Exercise – a naval drill that tests navigation, communication and tactical coordination between ships (GS2: Polity)">PASSEX</span> with the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Maldives National Defence Force – the armed forces of the Maldives, comprising navy, coast guard and army (GS2: Polity)">MNDF</span> Coast Guard Ship <strong>Ghazee</strong>.</li> <li>Commander <strong>Siddharth Chaudhary</strong>, CO of INS Sunayna, met <strong>Major General Ibrahim Hilmy</strong>, Chief of Defence Force, MNDF, and <strong>Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem</strong>, Commandant, Coast Guard MNDF, to discuss joint training and strategic engagement.</li> <li>The ship’s multinational crew, representing 16 friendly countries, interacted with MNDF leadership, underscoring broader international maritime cooperation.</li> <li>Cultural and sports exchanges fostered camaraderie between Indian Navy personnel and Maldives forces.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The visit was organised under the aegis of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Ministry of Defence – the Indian government department responsible for defence policy, procurement and strategic affairs (GS2: Polity)">Ministry of Defence</span>. The INS Sunayna’s deployment aligns with India’s “Act East” and “Neighbourhood First” doctrines, aiming to secure sea‑lines of communication in the Indian Ocean Region.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>Understanding this event helps aspirants grasp:</p> <ul> <li>India’s maritime diplomacy and its role in regional security architecture (GS3: International Relations).</li> <li>Operational aspects of naval cooperation such as <span class="key-term" data-definition="Passage Exercise – a routine drill that enhances interoperability and readiness of naval units (GS2: Polity)">PASSEX</span>, which are vital for joint disaster response and anti‑piracy missions.</li> <li>The strategic importance of the Maldives, located near the crucial sea lane connecting the Middle East and Southeast Asia, for India’s security and energy interests.</li> <li>The functioning of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Maldives National Defence Force – the unified armed forces of the Maldives, responsible for defence and internal security (GS2: Polity)">MNDF</span> and its cooperation with the Indian Navy.</li> </ul> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>Continued joint exercises, regular officer exchanges, and expanded cultural programmes are expected to deepen trust. Both nations are likely to pursue coordinated patrols in the Indian Ocean to counter non‑traditional threats such as piracy, trafficking, and natural disasters, thereby contributing to <span class="key-term" data-definition="Regional stability and security – the maintenance of peace and order among neighboring states, essential for economic growth and development (GS3: International Relations)">regional stability and security</span>.</p>