Indian Navy Launches IOS SAGAR Initiative 2026

The second occasion of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR program began on March 16, 2026, in the Indian Navy to enhance cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 

This is the first of its kind after India took over the chairmanship of the Indian ocean naval symposium (IONS) and sailors representing 16 IONS member nations are involved in this launch.

What is the IOS SAGAR Initiative About?

IOS SAGAR is a venue where navies can cooperate and take on missions. It allows the foreign sailors to serve alongside the Indian Navy. 

The program falls under the SAGAR vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is Security and Growth for All in the Region, and also is linked to the MAHASAGAR framework, which promotes the maritime development of all parties involved.

Key Activities

The people take part in actual shipboard tasks, go to ports and meet sailors in the partner navies. 

They also exchange the best practices in management of such issues like piracy and response to disaster. Such operations foster cooperation and trust between navies in the IOR.

India was elected as the chair of IONS in February 2026 at the 9 th Conclave of Chiefs held in Visakhapatnam. 

It is the second term of India as the chair following the term 20082010. IONS is an association with 25 members that facilitates maritime security in the region. IOS SAGAR enhances collective capacity against maritime threats, positioning India as a key IOR security provider. It builds on prior editions, strengthening professional ties and stability.

IONS Membership 

According to the press releases by PIB and the Indian Navy, it involves naval people of 16 IONS countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) or 16 friend countries. This was due to India being the IONS chair in February 2026.

This issue is dedicated to cooperation between these partners in terms of training in Kochi and shared ship deployments.

In the IOR, IONS has approximately 25 member nations. The 16 countries are likely to be a group of such nations that will play an active role. Indonesia, Iran, Madagascar, Mauritius, Maldives, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, and South Africa are some of the IONS members.