IOS Sagar Boosts India-Bangladesh Naval Ties in Chattogram
IOS Sagar Boosts India-Bangladesh Naval Ties. Image courtesy: @ihcdhaka
Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Bangladesh Navy Ship BNS Prottoy and Bangladesh Navy air assets after concluding its visit to Chattogram, Bangladesh, under the IOS SAGAR 2026 deployment.
The PASSEX included coordinated maritime drills and surface manoeuvres in the high seas, showcasing growing interoperability and operational coordination between the Indian Navy and the Bangladesh Navy. The exercise also reflected the shared commitment of both countries towards maintaining security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
In a post on X on May 11, India in Bangladesh said the deployment included diplomatic, operational and cultural engagements between the two navies. The mission said the Commanding Officer (CO) of IOS Sagar held meetings with COMBAN, COMCHIT and senior Bangladesh Navy leadership to reinforce regional maritime objectives.
The visit also highlighted “Helo Deck Diplomacy,” under which IOS Sagar hosted a Grand Deck Reception attended by Bangladesh Armed Forces personnel and members of the local community, while the Bangladesh Navy reciprocated with a reception for the visiting Indian Navy crew.
The Commanding Officer of INS Sunayna called on Chattogram Port Authority officiating chairman Commodore Ahamed Amin Abdullah, discussing issues of mutual interest and expressing gratitude for the support extended to the ship during the visit.
India in Bangladesh said the visit included bilateral naval interactions, cross-deck visits, professional exchanges, cultural programmes and friendly sports activities between the two navies.
IOS Sagar arrived at Chattogram on May 8 and was received by Bangladesh Navy Ship BNS Ali Haider (F17), which escorted it into the harbour after entering Bangladesh waters. The ship departed on May 10 and is now bound for Colombo, Sri Lanka, carrying a multinational contingent from 16 partner nations onboard.
The Indian Navy said the visit reflects the close maritime relationship between the two countries and supports India’s vision of regional cooperation and mutual growth in the Indian Ocean Region under the MAHASAGAR vision.
