Indian Navy guided missile stealth frigate INS Sahyadri has sailed from Busan to commence the sea phase of the India-Republic of Korea Navy (IN-RoKN) bilateral exercise, marking another important step in the growing maritime partnership between India and South Korea, IANS news agency reported.

The deployment is aimed at strengthening operational cooperation, improving interoperability and reinforcing security collaboration across the Indo-Pacific.

The sea phase follows several days of harbour-based engagements between INS Sahyadri and the Republic of Korea Navy’s guided missile destroyer ROKS Munmu The Great. During the port visit, personnel from both navies participated in professional interactions, training exchanges, subject matter expert discussions and cross-deck visits designed to deepen mutual understanding of naval operations.

Sporting fixtures and an onboard reception further enhanced engagement between the crews and encouraged stronger people-to-people links between the two maritime forces.

In a statement posted on X, the Indian Embassy in Seoul said: “26-29 Oct 26: During harbour phase in Busan, INS Sahyadri undertook multiple training exchanges with ROKS Munmu The Great. Cross deck visits were undertaken to include subject matter expert exchanges.

Sports fixtures and onboard reception fostered people-to-people connect between the two Navies. INS Sahyadri sailed out today for undertaking sea phase of the exercise with ROKS Munmu The Great.”

India’s Ambassador to South Korea, Gourangalal Das, also visited the vessel during its stay in Busan. He interacted with Commanding Officer Captain Vikas Jha and members of the ship’s company, while attending an onboard reception alongside Republic of Korea Navy officers.

INS Sahyadri, an indigenously designed and built Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, arrived at Busan Naval Harbour on 26 October to participate in the bilateral exercise. The warship received a warm welcome from the Republic of Korea Navy, highlighting the expanding strategic relationship and defence cooperation between the two countries.

The Commanding Officer of INS Sahyadri is also scheduled to hold discussions with senior South Korean naval officials as part of the engagement program.

Naval activities at sea will see INS Sahyadri operating alongside ROKS Munmu The Great in coordinated exercises intended to sharpen operational coordination, improve interoperability and strengthen professional naval ties. Such drills are designed to help both navies work together more effectively during future maritime operations and regional security missions.

The exercise reflects the shared commitment of India and South Korea to maintaining peace, stability and security across the Indo-Pacific. It also forms part of the Indian Navy's broader effort to build enduring partnerships with friendly foreign navies through regular professional exchanges, port visits and operational cooperation.

The current engagement is particularly notable as it follows INS Sahyadri’s recent participation in Exercise INDRA 2026 with the Russian Navy, underlining the Indian Navy’s active operational presence across the wider Indo-Pacific region and its continuing focus on strengthening maritime partnerships with multiple strategic partners.

Agencies