INS Sunayna, deployed under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, arrived at the port of Male, Maldives on April 6, 2026, marking the first port call of her current operational deployment to the South East Indian Ocean Region. The ship was accorded a warm reception by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), underscoring the enduring maritime partnership between the two neighbours. INS Sunayna is a Saryu-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Indian Navy. For this deployment she is uniquely manned by a multinational contingent drawn from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), with two MNDF personnel also embarked as part of the international crew. During the transit to Male, the crew undertook intensive training in seamanship, small arms firing and damage control drills, reflecting an emphasis on collective readiness, operational interoperability and joint maritime cooperation. IOS SAGAR operationalises India's vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — and is a key plank of the government's Neighbourhood First and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies. The deployment reinforces India's role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region, builds capacity among regional navies, and supports the larger goal of a free, open and rules-based maritime order. INS Sunayna departed Male on April 8, 2026 to continue her deployment.