Indian naval ship IOS Sagar arrives at Ctg port

Indian naval ship IOS Sagar arrived at Chattogram harbour on Friday as part of its multinational IOS SAGAR 2026 deployment, aiming to strengthen maritime cooperation and operational interoperability between Bangladesh and India.

According to a press release issued by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, the vessel entered Bangladesh waters after completing a transit through the Bay of Bengal and was formally received by Bangladesh Navy frigate BNS Ali Haider (F17).

The visit is being viewed as a continuation of the longstanding strategic partnership between the navies of the two neighbouring countries and their growing cooperation in maritime security and regional engagement.

During the visit, the commanding officer of IOS Sagar is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on senior Bangladesh Navy officials, including the commander of Chattogram Naval Area, the commander of Bangladesh Naval Fleet and the area superintendent of the dockyard.

A welcome reception will be hosted by the commander of the Chattogram Naval Area, while the visiting ship will also arrange a deck reception attended by senior military officials from both countries.

As part of the programme, the commanding officer will lay a wreath at the Chattogram Commonwealth War Cemetery in tribute to the shared historical sacrifices of Bangladesh and India.

The officer is also expected to meet the chairman of Chattogram Port Authority to discuss maritime logistics, port operations and security cooperation.

The itinerary includes professional exchanges, cross-deck visits by naval personnel and visits to BNS Issa Khan Training Complex and the Bangladesh Naval Academy aimed at enhancing training cooperation and capacity building.

A friendly football match between members of the Bangladesh and Indian navies has also been scheduled to strengthen mutual relations and camaraderie.

The Indian High Commission said the visit reflects India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the MAHASAGAR initiative, highlighting the shared commitment of both countries to peace, stability and sustainable growth in the Indian Ocean region.

AM