Government of India launched Mission Sagar on May 10, 2020, as part of the government’s outreach initiative; towards five Island nations in the Indian Ocean amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The deployment is in consonance with the Prime Ministers vision of – Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’. It highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with her neighbouring countries; further strengthening the existing bond.
“As part of the Government of India outreach amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Naval Ship Kesari has departed for Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros, to provide Food Items, COVID related Medicines including HCQ Tablets and Special Ayurvedic Medicines with Medical Assistance Teams,” Ministry of Defence said in a press note. “The consignments meant for Madagascar and Comoros also includes Hydroxychloroquine tablets; which have already been sent earlier to Mauritius, Maldives and Seychelles,” MEA added. The Ministries of Defence and External Affairs are working in close coordination in Mission Sagar.
“Since INS Kesari is going to make several stops, it will be a very long journey; therefore no Indian citizen will be returning from these countries onboard INS Kesari” explained an officer. The route of the ship, which will sail from Mumbai port, is going to be through Seychelles, Mauritius Madagascar, and finally to Comoros Island.
