Indian Navy
INS Sahyadri arrives in Japan for Malabar 2026 as Quad navies prepare for major maritime exercise
The Indian Navy’s indigenous guided-missile stealth frigate INS Sahyadri arrived at Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan on November 4 to take part in the multilateral naval exercise Malabar 2026.
The warship, which belongs to the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, received a warm welcome from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), reflecting the strategic partnership and expanding maritime cooperation between New Delhi and Tokyo.
The welcome ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Yagi Koji, Commandant of Yokosuka District, and R Madhu Sudan, Deputy Chief of the Indian Mission.
Four navies come together for Malabar 2026
Malabar 2026 brings together the navies of India, Japan, the United States and Australia, offering the participating forces an opportunity to strengthen operational coordination and improve interoperability.
Photo: Indian Navy/MoD
The multilateral exercise will also facilitate professional exchanges and allow the participating navies to share operational experience through a series of engagements both in harbour and at sea.
The exercise is expected to involve coordinated activities and interactions aimed at enhancing cooperation among the four maritime forces.
Harbour and sea phases planned
The harbour phase of Malabar 2026 will feature professional interactions and coordinated planning among the participating navies.
This will be followed by the sea phase, in which INS Sahyadri will operate alongside participating naval units from the United States, Australia and Japan.
The engagements are intended to deepen mutual trust, strengthen operational cooperation and contribute to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region.
Photo: Indian Navy/MoD
INS Sahyadri highlights India's maritime partnerships
INS Sahyadri’s participation in Malabar 2026 underlines the Indian Navy’s continued efforts to strengthen maritime partnerships and expand cooperation with like-minded navies across the region.
The deployment also reflects India's commitment to the vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — which guides its approach to regional maritime cooperation.
Through its participation in the multilateral exercise, the Indian Navy is engaging with partner forces to advance coordination and cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
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