INS Sahyadri has arrived in Japan for the MALABAR 2026 multilateral naval exercise

The indigenous guided missile frigate INS Sahyadri of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet will arrive at the Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan to participate in the Multinational Naval Exercise MALABAR 2026, on Wednesday (November 5, 2026). | Photo credit: ANI

The Indian Navy’s indigenous stealth frigate INS Sahyadri arrived at Japan’s Yokosuka Naval Base on Wednesday (November 4, 2026) to take part in the multilateral naval exercise MALABAR 2026, which brings together the navies of India, Japan, the United States and Australia.

According to the Indian Navy, the warship, which is part of the Eastern Fleet, has received a warm welcome from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Yagi Koji, Yokosuka District Commander, and R. Madhu Sudan, Deputy Chief of Mission of India in Japan.

The exercise will provide participating navies with an opportunity to improve operational coordination, enhance interoperability and exchange expertise through a series of engagements during the port and maritime phases.

On the agenda

The port phase will involve professional interactions and coordinated planning, while the subsequent maritime phase will see INS Sahyadri operating alongside participating naval units from the US, Australia and Japan.

A Defense Ministry press release said the engagements aim to strengthen mutual trust and maritime cooperation between the four countries and contribute to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region. He also added that the participation of INS Sahyadri underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to strengthen maritime partnerships with like-minded countries in the region, in line with India’s vision of MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Progress for Security and Growth across Regions.

Published – 5 Nov 2026 22:56 IST