Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri arrived at the port city of Vladivostok, Russia, on October 10, 2026. The advanced stealth frigate’s arrival marks the official commencement phase for Exercise INDRA-2026, a prominent bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) slated from October 13 to 18, 2026.
This high-profile deployment serves as a strategic platform for professional engagements and operational synergy, aiming to deepen maritime cooperation, mutual understanding, and seamless interoperability between the two partner navies.
Aligning seamlessly with the Government of India’s visionary framework of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), the exercise underscores New Delhi’s steadfast commitment to regional security and stability. Furthermore, INS Sahyadri’s participation carries forward the dynamic momentum generated during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held in December 2025, solidifying longstanding bilateral ties.
A Comprehensive Two-Phase Exercise Exercise INDRA-2026, has been meticulously structured to test and refine tactical competencies through a multi-tiered format. The schedule opens with an intensive harbour phase, featuring professional workshops, tactical discussions, and planning sessions. This will be followed by a dynamic sea phase, where both navies will execute complex coordinated operational activities, maritime evolutions, and tactical manoeuvres.
Beyond the tactical and strategic drills, the bilateral event emphasises human connections. A series of curated social, athletic, and cultural interactions is planned to give personnel from both navies a chance to bond, share traditions, and foster lasting camaraderie.
As INS Sahyadri unfurls India’s flag in Russian waters, Exercise INDRA-2026 stands ready to write a new chapter in the enduring defence partnership between India and Russia.
