Karnataka, April 5: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday inaugurated key infrastructure projects at the Indian Navy’s Karwar base in Karnataka, marking a significant step in the expansion of India’s maritime capabilities under Project Seabird.
Arriving at the coastal base around 1 p.m. by military chopper, Singh was received with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Parade Ground. His visit included multiple engagements, including the flagging off of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR — a multinational mission under India’s strategic outreach to regional navies.
“Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh will flag off #INSSunayna as the Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR with 44 personnel from 9 navies embarked onboard, from #Karwar today,” his office posted earlier on X. The initiative, an acronym for “Security and Growth for All in the Region,” forms part of India’s broader vision of “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions (MAHASAGAR).”
“IOS SAGAR will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Indian Ocean Region,” Singh’s office stated in a follow-up post. “It reaffirms India’s commitment to building stronger ties with its maritime neighbours and working towards a safer, more inclusive and secure maritime environment.”
Singh’s visit also marked the inauguration of advanced naval infrastructure that officials said would significantly bolster India’s operational readiness and maritime reach. “Strengthening India’s Naval Power! On 05 April 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh will inaugurate newly developed infrastructure at the Karwar Naval Base, a key milestone under #ProjectSeabird,” his office had noted on Friday.
The latest upgrades follow earlier developments inaugurated in March 2024 at Karwar, a base strategically located with long-term importance for India’s Indian Ocean strategy. Initially designed to accommodate 10 warships — a goal achieved by 2011 — the base has since seen the addition of critical infrastructure, including a 10,000-ton ship lift, a naval ship repair yard, armament storage, and accommodation for over 1,000 personnel.
With Cabinet Committee on Security approval, Phase-IIA of Project Seabird is set to accommodate 32 ships and submarines, along with 23 auxiliary yardcraft, according to the Defence Ministry.
Singh’s visit underlines the increasing focus on maritime security amid growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region.
