The Indian Navy’s Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR concluded a meaningful three-day visit to Nacala, Mozambique, showcasing a blend of military collaboration, cultural exchange, and humanitarian efforts.
Strengthening Military Ties
During the visit, joint training sessions were held between Indian Navy personnel and the Mozambique Armed Forces, focusing on:
- Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS)
- Firefighting techniques
- Damage control operations
- Diving drills
These activities are part of India’s wider SAGAR initiative (Security and Growth for All in the Region), aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation with African nations.
Medical Aid and Community Outreach
The Indian Navy also organized:
- Free medical camps for local residents
- A community outreach program at a Nacala orphanage
- A maritime awareness quiz for school children
- Ship visits for the local population and the Indian diaspora
These activities reflected the Navy’s social responsibility and efforts to build people-to-people connections.
Global Naval Bonding
According to the Indian Navy, IOS SAGAR hosted 44 Navy personnel from nine friendly countries, highlighting its role as a platform for international naval cooperation.
Defence Advisor Col. Puneet Attri also engaged with officers from these nations during the visit.
Mission SAGAR: Strengthening the Region
IOS SAGAR’s visit was part of India’s ongoing SAGAR initiative, promoting maritime security, regional development, and diplomatic ties with countries in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Indian Navy emphasized in a post on X,
“#IOS_SAGAR in Mozambique, engaged in a wide spectrum of professional & cultural engagements… The visit underscores #IndianNavy’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships for #maritimesecurity, fostering deeper cultural bonds and social responsibility to the community.”
