Indian Navy won't allow any nation to bully others in Indian Ocean, assures Rajnath Singh as he launches IOS SAGAR mission
Indian Navy ensures that no nation suppresses another in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) on the basis of overwhelming economy and military power, claimed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after he flagged off the Indian Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel, INS Sunayna, as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR (Security & Growth for All in the Region) in Karwar of Karnataka on Saturday.
He observed that India's growing presence in the IOR is not just related to the country's security and national interests, it also points towards the equality of rights and duties among India's friendly countries in the region. "We ensure that the interests of nations are protected without compromising their sovereignty,” he said.
Hailing the Indian Navy for emerging as the first responder during incidents such as hijacking of ships and acts of pirates, in the region, the defence minister said the Navy ensures the security of not just Indian ships but also foreign ones. He termed free navigation, rule-based order, anti-piracy and securing peace and stability in IOR as the Indian Navy's 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 IOR as a symbol of brotherhood and shared interest,” the defence minister said.
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The flagging-off of INS Sunayna, with 44 naval personnel from nine friendly nations (Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka & Tanzania), marks a significant step in reinforcing India’s commitment to regional maritime security and international cooperation, the defence ministry said.
The flag-off coincides with the 10th anniversary of the SAGAR initiative and National Maritime Day. Besides, the date, April 4, is historically significant as it was on this day that India’s first merchant ship, SS Loyalty, sailed from Mumbai to London in 1919.
Describing it as a fitting occasion to launch the IOS SAGAR mission, Singh said, "It a proud moment to see India leading the charge for regional cooperation on the same date we mark our maritime legacy.”
IOS SAGAR is a pioneering effort aimed at bringing together the navies and maritime agencies of the Southwest IOR on an Indian Naval platform.
"The mission will serve as an opportunity to provide comprehensive training to sea-riders from friendly countries and marks an unprecedented collaboration in maritime security," the ministry said.
On the same day, Singh also inaugurated modern operational, repair and logistic facilities constructed under Project Seabird worth over Rs 2,000 crore. The facilities include marine infrastructure designed for berthing ships, submarines and harbour craft, an armament wharf, two piers specifically equipped for refits, marine utility complexes, residential infrastructure consisting 480 dwelling units for sailors and defence civilians, and support facilities comprising 25 km road network, 12 km storm water drainage, water reservoirs, waste management plants and security watch towers.
Defence