- It is a unique initiative of DRDO which aligns with the objective of “Safety And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)”.
- Marine & Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative(MAITRI) is the specific scientific component of DRDO.
- It is to promote greater scientific interaction especially in ocean research among ‘Indian Ocean Rim’ (IOR) countries.
- INS Sagardhwani, will embarks on a two-month long mission.
- The mission commemorates the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of India’s lone research ship INS Kistna’s mission.
- INS Sagardhwani will revisit the selected tracks of INS Kistna.
- The prime objectives of the mission are,
- data collection from the entire North Indian Ocean,
- focussing on the the Andaman Sea and adjoining seas and
- establishing long-term collaboration with IOR countries in the field of ocean research and development.
- It will promote closer co-operation in socio-economic aspects with IOR countries.
- The IOR countries, includes Oman, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Myanmar.