Sagar Maitri V: INS Sagardhwani Flagged Off January 17 2026, for IOR Scientific Cooperation
On January 17, 2026, the oceanographic research vessel INS Sagardhwani was flagged off from the South Jetty, Southern Naval Command in Kochi, marking the launch of Sagar Maitri Mission V. This mission is a flagship initiative of the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The mission reflects India’s continued commitment to scientific diplomacy, regional cooperation, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It aligns closely with the government’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, emphasizing the peaceful and collaborative use of maritime resources.
Objectives and Scope of Sagar Maitri V
The Sagar Maitri Mission series is designed to foster MAITRI (Marine & Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative), aimed at enhancing scientific collaboration with countries in the Indian Ocean Region. Mission V begins with Maldives collaboration, planning sustained partnerships with 8 IOR countries – Oman, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, promoting regional cooperation through joint research and knowledge-sharing.
Key objectives of the mission include:
1. Scientific Diplomacy
- Encourages cooperative research in oceanography among IOR littoral states.
- Positions India as a knowledge-sharing hub in marine sciences.
2. Regional Cooperation
- Facilitates interaction with scientific communities in Oman and the Maldives.
- Promotes mutual understanding and capacity-building in oceanographic research.
3. Oceanographic Research
- Scientists onboard will collect physical, chemical, and biological ocean data.
- Research focuses on the North Indian Ocean, studying factors like currents, salinity, temperature profiles, and marine biodiversity.
- Findings contribute to climate change studies, disaster management, and fisheries research.
4. SAGAR Vision
- Supports India’s maritime strategy for inclusive and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean.
- Enhances India’s role as a net security provider and preferred regional partner.
INS Sagardhwani: India’s Indigenous Oceanographic Research Vessel
Commissioned in 1994, INS Sagardhwani is a dedicated marine acoustic research ship built indigenously. Its capabilities include:
- Advanced laboratories for underwater acoustic research.
- Equipment to measure temperature, salinity, and oceanographic sound propagation, vital for both civilian and naval applications.
- Data collection that supports naval sonar operations, environmental monitoring, and marine ecosystem studies.
The vessel represents India’s success in indigenization, showcasing home-grown scientific research and naval engineering capabilities.
Strategic Significance for India and UPSC Relevance
1. Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
- Data collected helps predict ocean behavior, cyclones, and tsunami risks, crucial for disaster preparedness.
- Supports climate change studies and sustainable management of marine resources.
2. Soft Power and Diplomacy
- Sharing research facilities and data strengthens India’s regional influence.
- Enhances collaborative research with IOR nations, building trust and scientific partnerships.
3. Indigenization and Technological Capability
- INS Sagardhwani demonstrates India’s prowess in naval R&D.
- Highlights the synergy between DRDO, NPOL, and the Indian Navy in developing indigenous technology.
4. UPSC Exam Relevance
- Prelims: INS Sagardhwani, Sagar Maitri Missions, IOR countries.
- GS Paper III (Economy & Environment): Oceanography, disaster management, climate change.
- GS Paper III & II: Maritime strategy, SAGAR vision, regional cooperation, soft power diplomacy.
- Essay Topics: India as a net security provider in IOR, Science and Technology in international relations.
Conclusion
Sagar Maitri V is a landmark initiative reinforcing India’s scientific diplomacy, technological self-reliance, and regional leadership. By deploying INS Sagardhwani for collaborative research in the Indian Ocean, India is not only advancing maritime domain knowledge but also promoting peace, sustainable growth, and mutual trust among IOR nations.
The mission exemplifies how science and technology can serve as tools of soft power, regional cooperation, and maritime security, aligning seamlessly with India’s SAGAR vision for a stable, prosperous, and inclusive Indian Ocean Region.
FAQs
Q1. What is Sagar Maitri V Mission?
Sagar Maitri V is the fifth mission of the Sagar Maitri initiative aimed at promoting scientific cooperation and oceanographic research among Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries.
Q2. Which vessel is deployed for Sagar Maitri V?
The mission is undertaken by INS Sagardhwani, an indigenous marine acoustic research vessel commissioned in 1994.
Q3. Which organizations are associated with Sagar Maitri V?
The mission is a flagship initiative of the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) under DRDO, in collaboration with the Indian Navy.
Q4. Which countries are involved in Sagar Maitri Mission V?
During Mission V, scientific collaboration will take place with Oman and the Maldives.
Q5. Why is Sagar Maitri V important for India?
The mission enhances:
- Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
- Scientific diplomacy and soft power
- Climate change and disaster preparedness research
- India’s role as a net security provider in the IOR
Q6. How is Sagar Maitri V linked to the SAGAR vision?
The mission aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision by promoting peaceful, collaborative, and sustainable use of the Indian Ocean.
