Dhaka, May 8 (IANS): The Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar arrived at Chattogram harbour in southeastern Bangladesh on Friday, marking a significant milestone in India-Bangladesh maritime cooperation as part of the IOS SAGAR 2026 multinational deployment. Escorted into Bangladesh waters by BNS Ali Haider (F17), the high-profile port call was conducted in pursuit of maritime excellence and regional interoperability, according to the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh. During the visit, the Commanding Officer of IOS Sagar is scheduled to hold a series of high-level diplomatic meetings with the Commander Chattogram Naval Area (COMCHIT), the Commander Bangladesh Naval Fleet (COMBAN), and the Area Superintendent Dockyard (ASD), all aimed at enhancing professional exchanges and deepening cooperation between the two navies. The visit also includes a welcome reception hosted by COMCHIT for IOS Sagar in the presence of senior Bangladesh Armed Forces officials, followed by a deck reception aboard IOS Sagar the following evening to mark the successful conclusion of the port call.
Beyond the diplomatic engagements, the visit carries strong symbolic and operational weight, with the Commanding Officer set to lay a wreath at the Chattogram Commonwealth War Cemetery in honour of shared historical sacrifices, while also meeting the Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority to discuss maritime logistics and port security. Mutual ship visits between Bangladesh Navy personnel and IOS Sagar crew will allow for professional cross-deck interaction, and the Indian crew is further scheduled to visit the BNS ISSA KHAN Training Complex and the Bangladesh Naval Academy to explore opportunities for mutual capacity building. The Indian High Commission described IOS Sagar’s presence in Chattogram as a practical expression of India’s Neighbourhood First policy and the MAHASAGAR initiative – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions – reflecting both nations’ shared commitment to a secure and stable Indian Ocean Region.