INS Sahyadri reaches Japan for multilateral naval exercise MALABAR 2026

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Indian Navy’s indigenous guided-missile stealth frigate INS Sahyadri of the Eastern Fleet arrives at Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan to participate in the MALABAR 2026 multinational naval exercise, on Wednesday (November 5, 2026). | Photo Credit: ANI

The Indian Navy’s indigenous stealth frigate INS Sahyadri arrived at Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan on Wednesday (November 4, 2026) to participate 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, part of the Eastern Fleet, was accorded a warm welcome by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Yagi Koji, Commandant of Yokosuka District, and R. Madhu Sudan, Deputy Chief of the Indian Mission in Japan.

The exercise will provide an opportunity to the participating navies to enhance operational coordination, strengthen interoperability, and exchange professional expertise through a series of engagements during the harbour and sea phases.

The harbour phase will involve professional interactions and coordinated planning, while the subsequent sea phase will see INS Sahyadri operate alongside participating naval units from the U.S., Australia and Japan.

A press release by theMinistry of Defence said that the engagements are aimed at strengthening mutual trust and maritime cooperation among the four countries and contributing to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region. It also added, INS Sahyadri’s participation underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships with like-minded countries in the region, in line with India’s MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

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