INS Sahyadri Strengthens India-Japan Naval Partnership at JAIMEX-25 in Yokosuka

Yokosuka, Japan October 23, 2025

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri, an indigenously built Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate, showcased India’s growing maritime strength and self-reliance during the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX-25) held from October 16 to 18, followed by a Harbour Phase at Yokosuka, Japan, on October 21.

R. Madhu Sudan, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of India in Tokyo, Japan and Rear Admiral YAMAGUCHI Nobohisa, Chief of Staff, JMSDF Yokosuka District, received INS Sahyadri in a solemn ceremony at Yokosuka. Sahyadri, commanded by Captain Rajat Kumar, participating in Japan-India Maritime Exercise – JAIMEX-25.

During the sea phase of JAIMEX-25, INS Sahyadri operated alongside the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships Asahi, Oumi, and submarine Jinryu in complex maritime operations, including anti-submarine warfare, missile defence drills, and underway replenishment. The exercise also featured flying operations, enhancing interoperability, tactical coordination, and mutual understanding between the Indian Navy and the JMSDF.

JAIMEX-25 reflected the continued strengthening of the India-Japan ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’, established in 2014, which serves as a key pillar for peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain. The joint naval drills reinforce both nations’ shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Cultural and Professional Exchanges at Yokosuka

Following the sea phase, the Harbour Phase at Yokosuka Naval Base featured a series of professional and cultural interactions between the two navies. Activities included cross-deck visits, joint operational planning sessions, and sharing of best practices in maritime operations. To further strengthen camaraderie, Indian and Japanese personnel participated in a combined yoga session, symbolizing unity and shared values.

These exchanges highlighted the close bonds between the Indian Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, promoting not only operational synergy but also cultural understanding and friendship.

Showcasing India’s Indigenous Naval Capability

Commissioned in 2012, INS Sahyadri (F49) represents India’s technological and defence manufacturing capabilities under the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India). The Shivalik-class stealth frigate is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and stealth features, making it a key asset for India’s blue-water navy. Over the years, INS Sahyadri has participated in numerous bilateral and multilateral naval exercises, reflecting India’s commitment to ensuring maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The ship’s ongoing Long Range Deployment to the Indo-Pacific underscores India’s proactive engagement in regional maritime partnerships and its readiness to work alongside friendly navies to safeguard shared interests.

Strengthening Maritime Cooperation

The India-Japan maritime partnership continues to evolve as a cornerstone of regional cooperation. Both nations, through exercises like JAIMEX-25, reaffirm their dedication to enhancing maritime domain awareness, defence collaboration, and strategic coordination.

As the Indian Navy and JMSDF sail together, INS Sahyadri’s participation in JAIMEX-25 symbolizes a growing bond between two Indo-Pacific democracies committed to maintaining peace, security, and prosperity across the world’s most dynamic maritime theatre.