Indian Naval Ship IOS Sagar Docks at Chattogram for Bilateral Naval Engagements

The Indian Navy’s Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar arrived at Chattogram in Bangladesh on Friday as part of the IOS SAGAR 2026 multinational deployment, aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and operational coordination between India and Bangladesh.

The visit marked another step in the growing naval partnership between the two neighbouring countries and included a series of professional engagements, ceremonial events and social interactions focused on strengthening bilateral defence ties.

According to the Indian Navy, the deployment is intended to improve interoperability and deepen cooperation between regional maritime forces. “IOS Sagar berthed at Chattogram, Bangladesh on 08 May 26, marking another milestone in the growing maritime partnership between India and Bangladesh,” the Indian Navy said in a post on X. “The visit focused on professional exchanges, operational coordination and strengthening interoperability between the two navies,” it added.

As the vessel entered Bangladeshi waters, it was received by the Bangladesh Navy frigate BNS Ali Haider (F17), which escorted the ship into Chattogram harbour in a ceremonial welcome.

During the two-day port call, Commanding Officer of INS Sunayna, Commander Siddharth Chaudhary, held meetings with senior Bangladeshi naval and port officials to discuss areas of mutual cooperation and professional engagement. One of the key meetings took place with Commodore Ahamed Amin Abdullah BSP, PSC, the officiating Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority.

Sharing details of the interaction, the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh said the commanding officer expressed gratitude for the support extended by the Chattogram Port authorities during the visit.

“Commanding Officer of INS Sunayna called on Cmde Ahamed Amin Abdullah BSP,psc, Officiating Chairman Chattogram Port Authority. Expressing his and Indian Navy's gratitude for the support given by Chattogram Port to the ship, the CO further had a fruitful discussion on issues of mutual interest,” the High Commission stated in a post on X.

Commander Chaudhary also paid tribute to soldiers of undivided India and the Commonwealth who died during the Second World War by visiting the Chattogram Commonwealth War Cemetery and laying a wreath. “The Commanding Officer of INS Sunayna visited Chattogram Commonwealth War Cemetery and laid a wreath in remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice made by the soldiers of undivided India and the Commonwealth during the Second World War,” the Indian High Commission said.

The visit also featured cultural and social engagements between the two navies. Commander Chattogram Naval Area (COMCHIT) hosted a reception for the crew of INS Sunayna, where personnel from both countries participated in performances and interactions. “IOS Sagar visit to Chattogram continued with a Reception hosted by COMCHIT. The evening was made more entertaining through performances by Bangladesh Navy as well as personnel of INS Sunayna,” the High Commission said.

Earlier on Friday, the commanding officer of INS Sunayna met several senior officials in the Chattogram Naval Area, including COMCHIT, COMBAN and ASD, where discussions focused on future cooperation, naval exercises and training exchanges. “Commanding Officer of INS Sunayana called on senior dignitaries in Chattogram Naval Area, including COMCHIT, COMBAN and ASD. The CO thanked the dignitaries for hosting the ship in Chattogram. In addition, areas of shared professional interest, including enhancing cooperation through exercises and training engagements, were discussed,” the Indian High Commission said.

The port visit forms part of the wider IOS SAGAR 2026 deployment, which includes a range of multinational maritime engagements across the Indian Ocean region aimed at promoting regional stability, naval cooperation and stronger strategic partnerships.