Top News

Indian Navy’s IOS Sagar ship reached Chittagong, Bangladesh, which will strengthen maritime cooperation between the two countries. During this period, many military and diplomatic meetings will be held and mutual coordination and training programs will be discussed.

Dhaka: Further strengthening the maritime cooperation between India and Bangladesh, Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar on Friday reached Chittagong, the south-eastern major port of Bangladesh. The ship became a symbol of the growing defense and strategic ties between the two countries as it entered Bangladeshi waters after a successful transit through the Bay of Bengal.

According to the Indian High Commission, this visit to IOS SAGAR is part of the IOS SAGAR 2026 multinational maritime deployment program aimed at enhancing regional maritime security, cooperation and interoperability.

Bangladesh Navy formally welcomed

On arrival at Chittagong, IOS Sagar was welcomed by Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Ali Haider (F17), which escorted her safely to the port. On this occasion, a strong message of friendship and cooperation was seen between the navies of the two countries.

Giving information on social media, the Indian High Commission said that the visit reflects the “enduring and trustful partnership” between the navies of India and Bangladesh.

There will be high level defense and diplomatic meetings

The Commanding Officer (CO) of IOS Sagar will hold several important meetings with top brass of Bangladesh Navy during his visit to Chittagong. These include Commander Chittagong Naval Area (COMCHIT), Commander Bangladesh Naval Fleet (COMBAN) and Area Superintendent Dockyard (ASD).

The main objective of these meetings is to further improve maritime security, training cooperation and operational coordination between the two countries.

Promote cultural and professional cooperation

Various cultural and professional programs will also be organized during this tour. A reception will be hosted in honor of IOS Sagar by Commander Chittagong Naval Area, which will also be attended by senior officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.

Additionally, IOS Sagar will also host a deck reception to mark this successful port visit.

Tributes and bilateral meetings at the historical monument

Indian Navy officers will pay tribute to the shared historical sacrifices by laying floral tributes at the Chittagong Commonwealth War Cemetery. The event reflects the historical ties and mutual respect between the two countries.

Along with this, there will also be a meeting with the Chairman of Chittagong Port Authority, in which port security, logistics and development of maritime infrastructure will be discussed.

Emphasis on training and capacity building

IOS Sagar crew members will also visit Bangladesh Naval Training Center BNS ISSA KHAN and Bangladesh Naval Academy. Its objective is to promote exchange of training methods and joint capacity building.

Personnel from both the navies will visit each other’s ships and participate in “cross-deck interactions”, which will improve mutual understanding and operational capability.

Part of India’s “Neighborhood First” policy

The Indian High Commission said that this visit to IOS Sagar is an important part of India’s “Neighborhood First Policy” and “MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions)” initiative.

The objective of this initiative is to promote security, stability and cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, so as to ensure shared development among the regional countries.