Marking a fresh milestone in maritime cooperation and regional naval interoperability, the Indian naval ship IOS Sagar arrived at Chattogram harbour on Friday as part of its multinational IOS SAGAR 2026 deployment.

According to a press release issued by the Indian High Commission, the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar entered the harbour following a successful transit through the Bay of Bengal and was formally received in Bangladesh waters by the Bangladesh Navy frigate BNS Ali Haider (F17).

The visit is viewed as a "reflection of the longstanding strategic partnership between the navies of Bangladesh and India and the growing maritime collaboration between the two neighbouring countries."

During the stay, the Commanding Officer of IOS Sagar is scheduled to hold several courtesy calls on senior Bangladesh Navy officials, including the Commander Chattogram Naval Area, Commander Bangladesh Naval Fleet and Area Superintendent Dockyard.

These meetings are aimed at further strengthening professional exchanges and operational cooperation.

As part of the official itinerary, the Commander Chattogram Naval Area will host a welcome reception for the visiting vessel, while IOS Sagar will later host a deck reception attended by senior military officials from both nations.

In a tribute to the shared history and sacrifices of the two nations, the commanding officer will lay a wreath at the Chattogram Commonwealth War Cemetery.

Additionally, a meeting is planned with the Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority to discuss maritime logistics, security cooperation, and port management.

The visit also features cross-deck interactions, professional exchanges, and educational tours to the BNS Issa Khan Training Complex and the Bangladesh Naval Academy to promote training expertise and capacity building.

To further strengthen camaraderie and people-to-people bonds, a friendly football match between members of the two navies has been scheduled.

The High Commission stated that the visit of IOS Sagar reflects India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the MAHASAGAR initiative, underscoring a "shared commitment of both countries to peace, security and sustainable growth in the Indian Ocean region."