Navy ensures no nation in IOR can suppress another: Rajnath Singh

Singh said, “We [India] ensure that the nations’ interests are protected without compromising their sovereignty. As India is enhancing its presence in the IOR…along with our national interests, it is also enhancing the security of our friendly nations.”

Singh said the IOR is significant not just from a security perspective, but also for trade, economy, tourism and culture. “Our attempt is to make the Indian Ocean Region more peaceful and prosperous with our presence,” he said. On India’s presence in the IOR, he said it is not just related to India’s security and national interests, but it also points towards equality of rights and duties of our friendly nations in the region.

Singh said the launch of IOS SAGAR is a reflection of India’s commitment to peace, prosperity, and collective security in maritime domain.

Praising the Navy for emerging as “the first responder” during incidents of hijacking of ships and pirates’ attacks in Indian Ocean, Singh said the Navy ensures the security of not just Indian ships, but also foreign ones, adding that free navigation, rule-based order, anti-piracy and securing peace and stability in the region are one of its biggest objectives.

“Equipped with state-of-the-art ships, weapons and equipment and well-trained and motivated sailors, we resolve to move ahead with other friendly nations towards developing the Indian Ocean Region as a symbol of brotherhood and shared interest,” he added.

The flagging-off of the ship, with 44 naval personnel from 9 friendly nations — Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania — marks a significant step in reinforcing India’s commitment to regional maritime security and international cooperation, the Navy said. The ship set sail from Karwar and during its deployment, INS Sunayna will be doing port calls at Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis and Port Victoria.

Singh inaugurated modern operational, repair and logistic facilities constructed under Project Seabird worth over `2,000 crore. He also reviewed the maritime security situation, operational readiness of the Navy, and the future outlook during inaugural phase of the first Naval Commanders’ Conference of 2025 in Karwar.

Addressing the Commanders, Singh asserted it is a necessity to reorient the future roles of the Armed Forces amid the present unpredictable geopolitical landscape. He said, “It is our responsibility to ensure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific as the region has become a focal point for the world”.