INS Sahyadri participates in India-Japan maritime exercise

New Delhi, Oct 22: Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri, an indigenously built Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate, participated in the sea phase of the Japan–India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX-25) from October 16 to 18, 2025, before making a port call at Yokosuka, Japan, for the harbour phase on October 21.

According to an official statement, INS Sahyadri joined Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) ships Asahi, Oumi, and submarine Jinryu during the sea phase, which featured advanced anti-submarine warfare and missile defence drills, as well as flying operations and underway replenishment. The exercise aimed to enhance operational interoperability and coordination between the two navies.

JAIMEX-25 reflects the growing naval cooperation under the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, established in 2014, which focuses on maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

During the harbour phase in Yokosuka, crew members from both navies will take part in professional and cultural exchanges, including cross-deck visits, operational planning sessions, sharing of best practices, and a joint Yoga session to strengthen camaraderie. The port call is part of INS Sahyadri’s ongoing long-range deployment to the Indo-Pacific.

Commissioned in 2012, INS Sahyadri showcases India’s indigenous shipbuilding capability under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and has been a regular participant in bilateral and multilateral maritime operations across the region. The India–Japan naval partnership continues to deepen, with both sides sharing a common vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.