IOS Sagar Arrives in Chattogram, Strengthening India-Bangladesh Maritime Cooperation

ছবিঃ সিএনআই

Diplomatic Correspondent: Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar arrived at Chattogram harbour on Friday as part of the multinational IOS SAGAR 2026 deployment, underscoring the growing maritime cooperation and strategic partnership between the navies of Bangladesh and India. 

The vessel entered Bangladesh waters following a successful transit through the Bay of Bengal and was welcomed by Bangladesh Navy warship BNS Ali Haider (F17), which escorted the ship to the harbour.
The port call reflects the deepening defence and maritime ties between the two neighbouring countries and highlights their shared commitment to regional stability, interoperability, and maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.

During the visit, the Commanding Officer of IOS Sagar is scheduled to hold a series of high-level courtesy meetings with senior Bangladesh Navy officials, including the Commander Chattogram Naval Area (COMCHIT), Commander Bangladesh Naval Fleet (COMBAN), and the Area Superintendent Dockyard (ASD). The engagements are aimed at enhancing bilateral naval cooperation and operational exchanges.

A number of professional, diplomatic, and commemorative activities have been planned during the visit. COMCHIT will host a welcome reception in honour of IOS Sagar, attended by senior members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, while the ship will later host a deck reception marking the successful culmination of the port call.

As part of the commemorative events, the Commanding Officer of IOS Sagar will pay tribute to the shared wartime sacrifices of the two nations through a wreath-laying ceremony at the Chattogram Commonwealth War Cemetery.

Operational cooperation will also feature prominently during the visit. The commanding officer is expected to meet the Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) to discuss maritime logistics and port security. Mutual ship visits and professional cross-deck interactions between Bangladesh Navy personnel and the multinational crew of IOS Sagar are also scheduled.

In the field of training and capacity building, the crew will visit the BNS ISSA KHAN Training Complex and the Bangladesh Naval Academy to exchange knowledge on naval training methodologies and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

The visit will additionally include a friendly football match between the two navies, symbolising camaraderie and strengthening people-to-people connections between the armed forces of both countries.

According to officials, IOS Sagar’s visit represents India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the MAHASAGAR initiative — “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions” — reaffirming the shared vision of Bangladesh and India for a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Indian Ocean Region.