INS Sahyadri Joins Malabar Exercise: Showcasing India’s Naval Strength and Indo-Pacific Partnership

 Strengthening Maritime Bonds

The Indian Navy has once again reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and maritime cooperation by deploying the indigenously built stealth frigate INS Sahyadri for the prestigious Malabar 2025 naval exercise. This multi-nation exercise, featuring the naval forces of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, represents a major step in enhancing interoperability among the Quad nations and maintaining security across vital sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific region.

Held in the Philippine Sea this year, the Malabar exercise has become an essential platform for these partner nations to share tactical expertise, conduct complex maritime drills, and strengthen trust among their armed forces.

The Powerhouse: INS Sahyadri

INS Sahyadri (F49) is a Shivalik-class stealth frigate, designed and built entirely in India by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai. The warship is part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet and is equipped with cutting-edge weapons, sensors, and advanced stealth technologies that reduce its radar signature.

Some of its notable capabilities include:

• Surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles ensuring combat efficiency.
• State-of-the-art electronic warfare systems for superior defence readiness.
• A helicopter deck and hangar facility that can accommodate multi-role naval helicopters.

These features make INS Sahyadri a formidable force, ideal for multinational naval operations such as Malabar.

The Significance of Malabar 2025

The Malabar exercise, which began as a bilateral drill between India and the United States in 1992, now stands as a symbol of the growing synergy among Quad partners. The 2025 edition focuses on anti-submarine warfare, air defence, gunnery exercises, and cross-deck helicopter operations.

Through joint exercises and coordinated maneuvers, participating navies aim to promote maritime stability, ensure freedom of navigation, and deter potential security threats in the Indo-Pacific region. The presence of INS Sahyadri underscores India’s technological self-reliance and expanding role as a net security provider.

Strengthening the Indo-Pacific Vision

By taking part in Malabar 2025, India not only demonstrates its naval prowess but also its commitment to regional collaboration and the rules-based international order. The exercise reinforces the nation’s vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific — one driven by cooperation rather than confrontation.INS Sahyadri’s participation stands as a testament to India’s growing maritime capabilities, reflecting both strategic depth and technological confidence. Each such deployment builds stronger bridges between like-minded democracies working together for a stable and secure maritime future.