INS Sahyadri arrives in Japan for Malabar 2026 naval exercise
The indigenous stealth frigate will participate in multilateral drills alongside the navies of Japan, the United States, and Australia.
The Indian Navy's indigenous stealth frigate, INS Sahyadri, arrived at the Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, to join the Malabar 2026 multilateral naval exercise, according to The Hindu.
The warship, which is part of the Eastern Fleet, was welcomed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The ceremony included Vice Admiral Yagi Koji, Commandant of Yokosuka District, and R. Madhu Sudan, Deputy Chief of the Indian Mission in Japan.
The exercise involves the navies of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia. It consists of a harbour phase for professional interactions and coordinated planning, followed by a sea phase where INS Sahyadri will operate with the other participating naval units.
A Ministry of Defence press release stated that the engagements aim to strengthen maritime cooperation and mutual trust among the four nations to contribute to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region.
The Ministry added that the participation of INS Sahyadri underscores the Indian Navy's commitment to maritime partnerships with like-minded countries, in line with India's MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.