Reinforcing maritime ties and defence alignment in the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Sahyadri successfully wrapped up its participation in the India–Republic of Korea Navy (IN–RoKN) Bilateral Exercise off the coast of Busan on October 29, 2026.
The multi-day deployment combined shore-based professional collaboration with dynamic high-seas drills, marking another milestone in strategic naval cooperation between the two maritime nations.
Building Bridges on Shore: The Harbour Phase
The exercise opened in Busan with an immersive harbour phase aimed at fostering professional trust and operational alignment between naval personnel.
Officers and crews from both sides participated in detailed operational briefings, cross-deck ship visits, and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE). These sessions provided a platform for exchanging operational perspectives, tactical insights, and standard operating procedures.
Beyond tactical discussions, the harbour phase featured cultural exchanges and friendly sporting competitions, deepening personal bonds and mutual respect between Indian and South Korean sailors.
Precision at Sea: Tactical Manoeuvres and Helo Operations
Transitioning from strategy to execution, the sea phase tested seamanship and tactical readiness in open waters. INS Sahyadri joined forces with the Republic of Korea Navy’s destroyer ROKS Munmu the Great to execute a series of complex maritime drills.
Key maritime activities included:
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Coordinated Navigation: Precision fleet movements and tactical formation manoeuvres.
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Helicopter Operations: Joint flight deck engagements and cross-deck helo landings.
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Operational Synchronisation: Exercises designed to refine communication protocols and combined tactical responses.
Championing Stability in the Indo-Pacific
The bilateral engagement underscores a shared commitment by India and the Republic of Korea to safeguard vital sea lines of communication and uphold regional order. As security dynamics evolve across the Indo-Pacific, joint operations between warships like INS Sahyadri and ROKS Munmu the Great strengthen collective capabilities, ensure operational readiness, and foster long-term peace across global waters.
