Sagar Maitri Mission by INS Sagardhwani
Context:
The oceanographic research vessel ‘INS Sagardhwani’ is conducting the fourth phase of the Sagar Maitri Mission, initiated by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The primary aim is to establish enduring scientific collaborations with Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) nations, especially in the field of Ocean Research & Development.
Relevance:
GS-02 (India and its neighbourhood)
Sagar Maitri’s Objectives:
- The Sagar Maitri initiative is a part of the ‘Safety and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’ vision, encouraging a closer bond between Indian Ocean Rim nations in socioeconomic aspects and significant scientific engagements, particularly in oceanic research.
- Anchored in this policy, DRDO introduced ‘MAITRI (Marine and Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative),’ targeting long-term collaborations in Ocean Research and Development with IOR nations.
- Within the SAGAR MAITRI program, INS Sagardhwani retraces the paths of INS Kistna, a participant in the International Indian Ocean Expedition from 1962-65. The core purpose is to forge lasting scientific ties with eight IOR countries: Oman, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Myanmar.
- The ongoing Sagar Maitri Mission -4 plans to focus on the Northern Arabian Sea. It includes scientific explorations and the initiation of research projects in collaboration with the Department of Marine Sciences & Fisheries at Sultan Qaboos University, Oman.
INS Sagardhwani:
- INS Sagardhwani, a marine acoustic research ship, was conceived and built by the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi, and constructed indigenously by GRSE Ltd.
- Its maiden voyage was in July 1994, and it’s played a pivotal role in oceanic observation missions and research endeavors for the past 25 years.
- NPOL’s work centers around the study of oceanic environments and related fields, using INS Sagardhwani as an extensive platform for marine research and exploration.
