INS Sahyadri Wraps Up India-South Korea Naval Drill

The Indian Navy and the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) have successfully completed their bilateral naval exercise in Busan, South Korea. Stealth frigate INS Sahyadri concluded its participation in the joint drills on October 29, 2026.

The exercise strengthened maritime cooperation, enhanced tactical interoperability, and deepened mutual trust between the two partner navies. By conducting coordinated operations, both forces demonstrated their shared commitment to safeguarding open sea lanes and maintaining regional peace across the Indo-Pacific.

Key Highlights of the Bilateral Naval Exercise

The bilateral drill brought together two major warships: INS Sahyadri representing the Indian Navy and ROKS Munmu the Great representing the Republic of Korea Navy.

The naval interaction featured two main stages:

1. Harbour Phase: Focused on professional briefings, cross-deck ship visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), and joint sporting activities that fostered personal bonds among crew members.
2. Sea Phase: Shifted focus to tactical execution, where both warships conducted joint maritime maneuvers, coordinated navigation drills, and cross-deck helicopter operations.

Building Trust and Technical Interoperability

During the harbour phase, technical specialists exchanged operational best practices and discussed modern naval tactics. These expert exchanges allowed both crews to compare deck procedures, safety protocols, and command structures.

During the sea phase, the warships tested their tactical communication networks and seamanship skills in real-time ocean conditions. Practicing coordinated helicopter landings and tactical maneuvering sharpens the ability of both navies to respond jointly to maritime emergencies, humanitarian crises, and security threats in international waters.

Strategic Value for Indo-Pacific Security

India and South Korea share vital strategic interests in preserving stability across global shipping corridors in the Indo-Pacific region. Regular naval exercises help both countries align their operational methods and respond effectively to emerging maritime challenges.

INS Sahyadri’s successful deployment to Busan highlights India's active maritime diplomacy and reinforces the Indian Navy's role as a reliable security partner in the broader Asian maritime domain.

Exercise Summary Snapshot