The Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar, crewed by personnel from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFC), arrived at Colombo Harbour on 15 May 2026 as part of its operational deployment in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Its entry underscored the strong maritime partnership and interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), and a Sri Lanka Navy ship escorted the vessel into harbour.

The three-day port call aims to further strengthen maritime cooperation and reinforce the collaborative security architecture in the region. During the visit the commanding officer of IOS Sagar was scheduled to call on senior leadership of the SLN, including the Commander Western Naval Area and the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, and to meet the High Commissioner of India in Colombo. The Chief of Staff of the SLN was also scheduled to visit the ship and interact with the multinational crew embarked onboard.

As part of professional and cultural engagements the multinational crew participated in media interactions to highlight the objectives of the IOS Sagar 2026 deployment. Friendly sports fixtures including volleyball and basketball matches were planned between personnel of the Indian Navy and the SLN to foster camaraderie and esprit de corps. The ship's company also prepared outreach activities aimed at promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.

The ship was open to visitors during the harbour stay, with personnel from the SLN, school children and members of the Indian diaspora in Colombo expected to visit. Apart from official engagements the crew undertook cultural visits and professional tours to Colombo Port, Galle, Kandy and Pinnawala to promote deeper people to people ties. IOS Sagar was scheduled to depart Colombo on 18 May 2026 and to conduct a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Sri Lanka Navy.