INS Sahyadri India-Japan Partnership: India’s indigenously made stealth frigate INS Sahyadri has reached Sasebo in Japan on October 28, 2025, where it received a warm welcome from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The ship’s visit marks another big step in the growing naval partnership between India and Japan.
According to the Indian Navy, INS Sahyadri arrived at Sasebo during its long-range operational mission in the Indo-Pacific, and this was its second stop in Japan. The visit highlights the close understanding between both countries and the strong bond between the Indian Navy and the JMSDF, ET reports.
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During the port visit, Captain Rajat Kumar, Commanding Officer of INS Sahyadri, met Vice Admiral Fukuda Tatsuya, the Commandant of the Sasebo district. They held talks on how to increase cooperation and improve joint work between their navies. The Indian Navy said these discussions were an important step in making both sides more ready and better connected for future missions together.
Joint Training at Sasebo
Through a post on X, 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 the Japan-India Maritime Exercise – JAIMEX 25.” According to Japan’s Kyodo News, the frigate docked at the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Sasebo base in southwest Japan, where the crew took time to rest and refill their supplies. Kyodo News also mentioned that the ship will leave the port in Nagasaki Prefecture on Friday.
Captain Shingo Asari, who welcomed the Indian ship, said, “The improvement of interoperability between the MSDF and the Indian Navy is essential to realise a free and open Indo-Pacific.” His statement showed Japan’s clear support for working closely with India to maintain freedom and safety in the Indo-Pacific waters.
INS Sahyadri’s Role in JAIMEX-25
The two navies carried out the harbour phase of the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX-25), which included joint activities like professional talks, ship visits, and even a combined yoga session.
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Before reaching Sasebo, INS Sahyadri took part in the sea phase of JAIMEX-25 from October 16 to 18, where it trained with JMSDF ships Asahi, Oumi, and the submarine Jinryu.
The Ministry of Defence shared that during the sea drills, the ships practiced anti-submarine warfare, missile defence, flying operations, and at-sea refuelling. These exercises made both navies more coordinated and improved their ability to work together. Thispartnership fits within the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership which started in 2014 to promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
