<h3>Overview</h3> <p>The Indian Navy’s <span class="key-term" data-definition="INS Sunayna – An Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Indian Navy, designed for maritime surveillance, anti‑piracy and humanitarian missions (GS2: Polity)">INS Sunayna</span> arrived in Jakarta on <strong>21 April 2026</strong> as part of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="IOS SAGAR – Indian Ocean Strategy for Action and Growth, a maritime outreach programme under the broader MAHASAGAR vision, aimed at enhancing security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (GS2: Polity)">IOS SAGAR</span> initiative. The visit marks the third port call of the ship’s operational deployment across the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Indian Ocean Region (IOR) – A strategic maritime zone encompassing the Indian Ocean and its adjoining seas, crucial for trade, energy routes and security (GS3: Economy)">IOR</span> and underscores India’s <span class="key-term" data-definition="Neighbourhood First policy – India’s foreign‑policy approach that gives priority to engagement with immediate neighbours to ensure regional stability (GS2: Polity)">Neighbourhood First</span> stance.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Port call at Jakarta with engagements between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy (<span class="key-term" data-definition="TNI AL – Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut, the naval branch of Indonesia’s armed forces (GS2: Polity)">TNI AL</span>).</li> <li>Professional exchanges, joint yoga sessions, sporting events and a deck reception for senior naval officials.</li> <li>Scheduled <span class="key-term" data-definition="Passage Exercise (PASSEX) – A naval drill conducted during a ship’s transit to test interoperability and tactical coordination between two navies (GS2: Polity)">PASSEX</span> with the Indonesian Navy on departure.</li> <li>Transit through the narrow Malacca and Singapore Straits, demonstrating high navigational proficiency.</li> <li>Presence of a multinational crew from 16 friendly foreign countries, highlighting India’s ability to operate with diverse partners.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The mission’s Harbour Phase ran from <strong>16 to 29 March 2026</strong> in India, after which the Sea Phase (April–May 2026) commenced with multiple port calls. The ship’s itinerary reflects India’s strategic intent to project a “free, open and inclusive Indo‑Pacific” and to deepen maritime cooperation under the <span class="key-term" data-definition="MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, India’s overarching vision for a secure and prosperous Indo‑Pacific (GS2: Polity)">MAHASAGAR</span> framework.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>Understanding the IOS SAGAR deployment helps aspirants grasp India’s maritime diplomacy, a key component of <strong>GS 2: Polity</strong> (foreign policy, security). The initiative also ties into <strong>GS 3: Economy</strong> by safeguarding sea‑lines of communication that carry a significant share of global trade. Moreover, the emphasis on joint exercises and multilateral crew composition illustrates India’s approach to building strategic partnerships, a recurring theme in UPSC questions on India’s neighbourhood policy and Indo‑Pacific strategy.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>Future port calls are expected in other friendly nations, reinforcing interoperability and confidence‑building measures. Continued PASSEX drills and people‑to‑people interactions will deepen defence ties, while the broader MAHASAGAR vision will guide India’s role in shaping a stable Indo‑Pacific order.</p>