The Indian Navy's indigenous Guided Missile Stealth Frigate INS Sahyadri, part of the Eastern Fleet, arrived at Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan on November 4, 2026, to participate in the multilateral naval Exercise Malabar 2026. The ship was welcomed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), demonstrating the strategic partnership and growing maritime cooperation between India and Japan. The welcome ceremony was attended by VAdm Yagi Koji, Commandant of Yokosuka District, and Shri R Madhu Sudan, Deputy Chief of Indian Mission.
Exercise Malabar 2026 brings together naval forces from India, Japan, the United States, and Australia, providing an opportunity to enhance operational coordination, strengthen interoperability, and exchange professional expertise. The exercise consists of two phases: a harbor phase including professional interactions and coordinated planning, followed by a sea phase involving INS Sahyadri and participating units from all four nations. These engagements aim to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation while contributing to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region.
INS Sahyadri's participation underscores the Indian Navy's commitment to fostering maritime partnerships and advancing cooperation with like-minded navies in the region, in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). The press release was issued by the Ministry of Defence on November 5, 2026, through PIB Delhi.