INS Sunayna of the Indian Navy arrived at Male on six April 2026 for its first port call of the operational deployment under the Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR (IOS SAGAR) initiative, signalling strengthened maritime engagement with the Maldives. The vessel received a warm reception from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), reflecting robust bilateral naval relations and regional cooperation. The port call formed part of an effort to sustain maritime security and enhance diplomatic ties across the Indian Ocean region.

During transit to Male the multinational crew engaged in intensive training in seamanship, small arms firing and damage control drills to emphasise collective readiness and operational interoperability. Two MNDF personnel were embarked on the ship as part of the multinational complement and took part in the exercises. The training underscored the Indian Navy's commitment to capacity building and practical cooperation with partner forces.

The High Commissioner of India to Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, visited the ship and held interactions with the multinational personnel, and a programme of professional exchanges, sporting engagements and social activities was planned to foster camaraderie. A passage exercise with the MNDF Coast Guard is scheduled to take place upon the ship's departure, enhancing coordinated maritime operations. Organisers indicated that such activities aim to deepen mutual trust and refine joint procedures.

IOS SAGAR sails with an international crew drawn from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) as part of a deployment to the South East Indian Ocean Region that aligns with the Neighbourhood First policy and the Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) framework. The ship had been flagged off ceremonially from Mumbai on two April 2026 by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth and the deployment was described as consistent with the One Ocean, One Mission vision to reinforce regional maritime partnerships. The initiative was presented as a demonstration of sustained engagement and cooperation across maritime neighbours.