The Indian Navy’s INS Sahyadri, an indigenously built Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate, took part in the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX-25) from October 16 to 18, concluding with a port call at Yokosuka, Japan, on October 21 for the Harbour phase, according to the Ministry of Defence.
During the sea phase, INS Sahyadri conducted operations alongside the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessels Asahi, Oumi, and the submarine Jinryu, focusing on advanced anti-submarine warfare and missile defence drills. The exercises also included flight operations and underway replenishment, enhancing interoperability and operational coordination between the two navies. The Ministry noted that JAIMEX-25 reflects the strong navy-to-navy ties underpinning the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, established in 2014, which serves as a key pillar for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain.
The Harbour phase at Yokosuka featured professional and cultural exchanges among the crews, including cross-deck visits, collaborative operational planning, sharing of best practices, and even a combined yoga session to build camaraderie. This port call also forms part of INS Sahyadri’s ongoing Long Range Deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.
Commissioned in 2012, INS Sahyadri showcases India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities and aligns with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). The stealth frigate has previously been involved in multiple operational deployments as well as bilateral and multilateral exercises.The Ministry emphasized that India and Japan continue to maintain a robust strategic partnership, with the Indian Navy and JMSDF playing a pivotal role in promoting defence and maritime cooperation, and advancing a shared vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
