Indian Navy ship IOS Sagar docks in Chattogram

Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar entered Chattogram harbour on Friday following a 'successful transit' through the Bay of Bengal.

This high-profile port call, part of the IOS SAGAR 2026 multinational deployment, is a testament to the steadfast partnership between the Indian Navy and the Bangladesh Navy, highlighting the strong bonds between the two neighbouring countries, said the government of India on Friday.

The ship was welcomed into Bangladesh waters by BNS Ali Haider (F17) and was escorted to the harbour, reports UNB.

Upon arrival, the Commanding Officer (CO) of IOS Sagar will undertake a series of high-level diplomatic engagements, including calls on the Commander Chattogram Naval Area (COMCHIT), the Commander Bangladesh Naval Fleet (COMBAN), the Area Superintendant Dockyard (ASD).

These interactions aim to consolidate the maritime exchanges between the two navies.

The port visit of IOS Sagar features a robust itinerary of professional, social, and commemorative events, which includes the following:-

Welcome Reception

COMCHIT will host a welcome reception on the arrival evening for IOS SAGAR in the company of the top brass from the Bangladesh Armed Forces.

A deck reception will be hosted by IOS SAGAR the following evening to celebrate the culmination of a successful port call at Chattogram.

Commemoration and Honour

Commanding officer IOS SAGAR would pay homage to the shared sacrifices in our collective history through a solemn wreath-laying ceremony scheduled at the Chattogram Commonwealth War Cemetery under the arrangement of COMCHIT.

Operational Exchange

Commanding Officer IOS SAGAR will call on the Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) to discuss maritime logistics and port security.

This will be followed by mutual ship visits, where personnel of the Bangladesh Navy and the international crew of IOS SAGAR will engage in professional cross-deck visits.

Training and Capacity Building

The crew will visit the BNS ISSA KHAN Training Complex and the Bangladesh Naval Academy, fostering a deeper understanding of naval training methodologies and opportunities for mutual capacity building.

Camaraderie and Sports Diplomacy

A friendly football match between both the navies will highlight the esprit de corps shared between the two services.

IOS Sagar’s presence in Chattogram is a practical manifestation of India’s Neighbourhood First policy and the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative, demonstrating a shared commitment to a secure and stable Indian Ocean Region.