• India and Bangladesh conducted a naval exercise — Bongosagar — and coordinated patrol in the Bay of Bengal that provided an opportunity for both the navies to develop closer links in tactical planning, coordination and information sharing for undertaking seamless maritime operations.

• The first edition of Bongosagar was held in 2019. It is aimed at developing interoperability and joint operational skills through conduct of a wide spectrum of maritime exercises and operations.

• Bongosagar 2025 saw the participation of INS Ranvir from the Indian Navy and BNS Abu Ubaidah from the Bangladesh Navy.

• The exercise involved a range of complex operations encompassing surface firing, tactical manoeuvres, underway replenishment, visit-board-search-seizure (VBSS) cross boarding, communication drills, quiz for operations team and junior officers on professional topics and a steam past.

• The enhanced synergy of naval operations between the two navies is the testament to the shared commitment of countering global security challenges towards security and stability in the region promoting the Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative of India.

• The exercise provided an opportunity for both the navies to develop closer links in tactical planning, coordination and information sharing for undertaking seamless maritime operations.

Other bilateral exercise

• Exercise Sampriti is an annual joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.

SAGAR Initiative

• The SAGAR Initiative, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region, is a strategic framework introduced by India to promote maritime cooperation, security, and economic development in the Indian Ocean region. 

• Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 during his visit to Mauritius, the initiative reflects India’s vision of fostering regional stability, sustainability, and prosperity through collaborative efforts.

Objectives of the initiative:

1) Maritime Security:

• Enhance regional maritime security by addressing challenges such as piracy, terrorism, illegal trafficking, and other transnational crimes.

• Strengthen cooperation among Indian Ocean littoral states to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment.

2) Sustainable Development:

• Promote sustainable use of marine resources, including fisheries and ocean-based energy.

• Support initiatives for marine conservation and environmental protection.

3) Economic Growth:

• Facilitate trade, connectivity, and economic integration among Indian Ocean nations.

• Develop infrastructure, such as ports and shipping networks, to boost regional trade and commerce.

4) Disaster Management:

• Improve regional preparedness and response mechanisms for natural disasters, such as tsunamis, cyclones, and oil spills.

• Share expertise and resources for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

5) Capacity Building:

• Provide technical assistance, training, and resources to smaller island nations and coastal states to enhance their maritime capabilities.

• Strengthen regional institutions and frameworks for maritime governance.

India’s Role with SAGAR:

As a key player in the Indian Ocean region, India has taken several steps to operationalise the SAGAR initiative:

• Naval Diplomacy: India has engaged in joint naval exercises, coordinated patrols, and capacity-building programs with countries in the region.

• Infrastructure Development: India has invested in port development and connectivity projects, such as the Chabahar Port in Iran and the Sagarmala Project for port modernisation in India.

• Humanitarian Assistance: India has been at the forefront of providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid, such as during the 2004 tsunami and the 2020 Mauritius oil spill.

• Institutional Frameworks: India has supported regional organisations like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) to promote dialogue and cooperation.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)