In a remarkable scientific endeavor, INS Sagardhwani, an oceanographic research vessel under the aegis of DRDO’s Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory, commenced its two-month-long Sagar Maitri Mission-4. This mission aligns with India’s ‘Safety and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’ policy and seeks to strengthen scientific cooperation in ocean research among Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) countries.
Setting Sail for Scientific Collaboration
On October 12, 2023, INS Sagardhwani embarked on its journey from the South Jetty, Southern Naval Command (SNC), Kochi. The ship’s flag-off ceremony was graced by Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, and other senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Navy.
The Sagar Maitri Initiative
Sagar Maitri, a pioneering initiative by DRDO, mirrors the broader objective of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘SAGAR’ policy. This initiative aims to foster closer collaboration in socio-economic aspects and significant scientific interactions, especially in ocean research, among IOR countries.
The MAITRI Component
Under the SAGAR MAITRI program, a scientific component named ‘MAITRI’ (Marine and Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative) was initiated. Its primary focus is to establish enduring scientific partnerships and collaborations with IOR countries in the realm of ‘Ocean Research and Development.’
Charting New Territories
In Sagar Maitri Mission-4, INS Sagardhwani will retrace the tracks of INS Kistna, which participated in the International Indian Ocean Expedition during 1962-65. This mission’s primary goal is to establish long-term scientific partnerships and collaborations with eight IOR countries, including Oman, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Myanmar.
Previous Missions
Previous SAGAR MAITRI missions have taken delegations to countries like Myanmar, Malaysia, and Singapore. They also encompassed scientific seminars in these nations. The NPOL conducted oceanographic studies in the Southern Indian Ocean as part of the third mission (SM-3) in February 2020.
The Current Mission
Sagar Maitri Mission-4 plans to include scientific deployments on INS Sagardhwani in the Northern Arabian Sea. It will also initiate collaborative research programs with the Department of Marine Sciences & Fisheries at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman. These missions offer a platform for scientists to collaborate and build strong working relationships with their IOR counterparts in the field of ocean research.
The Role of INS Sagardhwani
INS Sagardhwani, a marine acoustic research ship designed and developed by NPOL, Kochi, has been actively engaged in oceanic observing missions and research for over 25 years. Its involvement in extensive oceanographic studies underscores the vessel’s critical role in advancing ocean research and scientific cooperation.
