Strategic Deployment of INS Sunayna
Amid increasing tensions in West Asia and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the Indian Navy launched INS Sunayna as part of its efforts to enhance security in the Indian Ocean Region. The ship was inaugurated from Mumbai by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi present. This move highlights India’s proactive stance on maintaining freedom of navigation and protecting critical maritime routes.
Expanding Maritime Competition & Challenges
Admiral Tripathi pointed out that maritime competition now involves various domains like rare earth elements, seabed minerals, fishing resources, and data infrastructure, not just oil and energy. He emphasized that increasing global tensions have made the maritime domain a major area of geopolitical contest, requiring stronger cooperation among regional countries.
The Indian Ocean Region faces numerous threats, including illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, piracy, armed sea robbery, and narcotics trafficking. In 2025, around 3,700 maritime incidents were recorded, and drug seizures worth over $1 billion took place. Additionally, activities like deep-sea research may infringe on sovereign rights, raising security concerns.
Key Facts for Exams
- INS Sunayna is an offshore patrol vessel of the Indian Navy.
- SAGAR stands for “Security and Growth for All in the Region”.
- The Indian Ocean is a vital global trade route linking Asia, Africa, and Europe.
- IUU fishing is a major maritime security threat.
Regional Engagement & Capacity Building
The INS Sunayna mission involves participation from 16 foreign countries, symbolizing multilateral cooperation. The ship will visit ports such as Colombo, Phuket, Jakarta, Singapore, Chittagong, Yangon, and Male, ending at Kochi. The deployment focuses on training activities like seamanship, navigation, communication, maritime safety, firefighting, damage control, and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, fostering regional collaboration.
