The Indian Navy's stealth frigate INS Sahyadri arrived at Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan on Wednesday, November 4, to take part in the multilateral naval exercise MALABAR 2026, The Hindu reported.
The exercise brings together the navies of India, Japan, the United States and Australia. Naval forces of the four countries have since begun the drills, which involve multi-domain training, ANI reported on Friday.
The welcome
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force gave the warship, part of the Navy's Eastern Fleet, a welcome ceremony at Yokosuka. It was attended by Vice Admiral Yagi Koji, Commandant of Yokosuka District, and R. Madhu Sudan, Deputy Chief of the Indian Mission in Japan, according to the Indian Navy.
What the exercise involves
The harbour phase covers professional interactions and coordinated planning. In the sea phase that follows, INS Sahyadri will operate alongside units from the US, Australian and Japanese navies.
The Ministry of Defence said the engagements aim to strengthen mutual trust and maritime cooperation among the four countries and contribute to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific.
Why it matters
ANI described the drills as an exercise of the four Quad navies. The Ministry said INS Sahyadri's participation reflects the Navy's commitment to partnerships with like-minded countries, in line with India's MAHASAGAR vision, short for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
This year's edition is being held off Japan.