Indian naval ship IOS Sagar arrived in Chattogram on Friday as India and Bangladesh expanded maritime cooperation through joint engagements….reports Asian Lite News
The Indian Ocean Ship IOS Sagar arrived at Chattogram harbour in southeastern Bangladesh on Friday as part of efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
The visit comes under the IOS SAGAR 2026 multinational deployment, which India described as part of its continuing efforts to promote maritime excellence and regional interoperability in the Indian Ocean region.
According to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, the vessel completed a successful transit through the Bay of Bengal before entering Bangladeshi waters, where it was welcomed by Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Ali Haider and escorted to harbour.
The Indian mission described the port call as a reflection of the longstanding partnership between the Indian Navy and the Bangladesh Navy.
During the visit, the commanding officer of IOS Sagar is scheduled to hold meetings with senior Bangladesh Navy officials, including the Commander Chattogram Naval Area, the Commander Bangladesh Naval Fleet and the Area Superintendent Dockyard.
The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing maritime cooperation, professional exchanges and naval coordination between the two countries.
The visit also includes a range of professional, diplomatic and commemorative activities involving personnel from both navies.
A welcome reception hosted by the Commander Chattogram Naval Area is scheduled to take place later on Friday, attended by senior officers from the Bangladesh Armed Forces.
IOS Sagar will also host a deck reception on the following evening to mark the completion of the port visit in Chattogram.
As part of the programme, the commanding officer of the Indian vessel is expected to take part in a wreath laying ceremony at the Chattogram Commonwealth War Cemetery to honour those who died during past conflicts linked to the region’s shared history.
The Indian official is also scheduled to meet the Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority to discuss issues related to maritime logistics and port security cooperation.
Further activities include mutual ship visits and professional exchanges between Bangladesh Navy personnel and the crew of IOS Sagar.
The crew of the Indian vessel will also visit the BNS Issa Khan Training Complex and the Bangladesh Naval Academy to exchange views on naval training practices and opportunities for future cooperation in capacity building.
The Indian High Commission said the deployment reflected India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the MAHASAGAR initiative, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
According to the mission, the visit demonstrates the shared commitment of both countries towards maintaining a secure and stable Indian Ocean region.
India and Bangladesh have continued to expand defence and maritime engagement in recent years, particularly in areas related to naval coordination, coastal security and regional connectivity across the Bay of Bengal.
