Indian Navy’s INS Sahyadri Strengthens Malaysia Ties

The Indian Navy’s indigenous stealth frigate INS Sahyadri made port call at Kemaman port in Malaysia on 2 October 2025. This visit forms part of the Eastern Fleet’s operational deployment to the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region. The warm reception by the Royal Malaysian Navy brought into light the enduring cultural and maritime bonds between the two countries. INS Sahyadri’s visit puts stress on India’s growing role as a key maritime partner in the Indo-Pacific.

INS Sahyadri – Indigenous Stealth Frigate

INS Sahyadri is the third ship of the Shivalik Class Guided Missile Stealth Frigates. It was designed, constructed and commissioned in 2012 under India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The ship combines stealth features with advanced weaponry and sensors. It serves as a symbol of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. INS Sahyadri has actively participated in multiple bilateral and multilateral naval exercises and operational deployments.

India-Malaysia Naval Relations

The visit to Kemaman is INS Sahyadri’s third to Malaysia. Earlier visits include Port Klang in 2016 and participation in Exercise ‘Samudra Laksamana’ at Kota Kinabalu in 2019. These visits reflect the deepening naval cooperation between India and Malaysia. The two navies have built strong ties through joint exercises, professional exchanges and mutual training. Such interactions enhance interoperability and maritime security coordination.

Operational Deployment and Strategic Importance

INS Sahyadri’s deployment to the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific marks India’s role as a responsible maritime stakeholder. The Indo-Pacific is a vital geopolitical zone with growing security challenges. India’s presence supports regional stability and freedom of navigation. The port call aimed to strengthen military cooperation and exchange best practices between the Indian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy.

Activities During the Port Call

The three-day visit included official courtesy calls by INS Sahyadri’s commanding officer on senior Malaysian naval officers. Professional exchanges and cross visits between naval personnel were conducted. Joint training sessions and sport fixtures encourageed camaraderie. The Indian crew also held a yoga session and charity event, emphasising wellness and humanitarian values. Recreational visits allowed the crew to engage with local culture.

Broader India-Malaysia Maritime Cooperation

India and Malaysia share a rich history of cultural and economic ties spanning centuries. Both nations recognise the Indo-Pacific’s growing importance. India’s MAHASAGAR initiative and Malaysia’s support for ASEAN’s Outlook on Indo-Pacific promote maritime synergy. Naval engagements such as the LIMA exhibition, MILAN exercises and ‘Samudra Laksamana’ field training exercises strengthen regional security cooperation. These efforts reflect mutual commitment to a stable and prosperous maritime environment.