Sasebo [Japan], October 28 (ANI): The Indian Navy’s indigenously built Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate INS Sahyadri received a warm welcome upon its arrival at Sasebo.
The Indian Navy ship, commanded by Captain Rajat Kumar, is participating in the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX-25).
Through a post on X on Tuesday, the Indian Embassy in Tokyo said, “INS Sahyadri arrived at Sasebo to a warm welcome ceremony by JMSDF Sasebo District. Sahyadri commanded by Capt Rajat Kumar is participating in Japan-India Maritime Exercise – JAIMEX 25.”
As part of the two nations’ defense cooperation, INS Sahyadri also made a port call at the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Sasebo base in southwest Japan, according to Japan’s Kyodo News. After giving its crew a chance to rest and replenish supplies, the frigate is expected to depart the port in Nagasaki Prefecture on Friday, Kyodo News added.
“The improvement of interoperability between the MSDF and the Indian Navy is essential to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Captain Shingo Asari, who welcomed the Indian ship and its crew, Kyodo News reported.
The Indian and Japanese navies conducted the harbor phase of the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX-25), featuring a series of activities including cross-deck visits, professional interactions, and a combined yoga camp that strengthened camaraderie and cooperation between the two forces, the Indian Navy spokesperson said in an official statement on Saturday.
The Indian Navy’s indigenously built Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate INS Sahyadri participated in the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX-25) held from October 16 to 18 and arrived at Yokosuka Port, Japan, on October 21 for the harbor phase.
According to the Ministry of Defence, before arriving at Yokosuka, INS Sahyadri joined Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships Asahi, Oumi, and the submarine Jinryu for the sea phase.
The ships conducted advanced anti-submarine warfare and missile defense drills, as well as flying operations and underway replenishment (refueling and supply operations at sea). These exercises helped improve coordination between the two navies and strengthened cooperation under the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, established in 2014 to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Commissioned in 2012, INS Sahyadri showcases India’s progress in indigenous defense technology and supports the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India). The stealth frigate has taken part in several important operational deployments and joint exercises with other countries.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), defense ties between India and Japan have grown stronger in recent years, with both countries sharing similar views on peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.
After the election of Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her on X, saying, “I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Our deepening ties are vital for peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.” (ANI)
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