Arrival of INS Sahyadri in Japan
INS Sahyadri Strengthens India-Japan Naval Partnership through JAIMEX 25: The Indian Navy’s INS Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class stealth frigate, arrived at Yokosuka, Japan, to participate in the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX 25). Conducted from October 16–17, 2025, the exercise represents a crucial step in expanding India-Japan defence cooperation and enhancing operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.
The vessel was commanded by Captain Rajat Kumar and received by R. Madhu Sudan, India’s Charge d’Affaires in Tokyo, alongside Rear Admiral Yamaguchi Nobohisa, Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Yokosuka District.
Static GK fact: INS Sahyadri (F49) was commissioned in 2012 and belongs to the Shivalik-class—India’s first indigenous stealth frigate class designed and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai.
Joint Operations and Participants
The Japan Self Defence Fleet announced that JAIMEX 25 involved both surface and subsurface assets, including:
- INS Sahyadri from the Indian Navy
- JS Asahi (destroyer), JS Oumi (supply ship), and a submarine from Japan
- Support from 2nd Artillery Brigade (JGSDF) and Western Aircraft Control and Warning Wing (JASDF)
Exercises were conducted west of Kyushu, focusing on multi-domain coordination and tactical interoperability. These drills emphasized joint planning, sea replenishment, and air-surface coordination to strengthen maritime response capabilities.
Static GK Tip: The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) was established in 1954 as part of Japan’s post-war pacifist defence structure.
Strengthening the Indo-Pacific Vision
The Indo-Pacific remains a central theatre for India and Japan’s strategic engagement. Through exercises like JAIMEX 25, both nations reaffirm their commitment to a Free, Open, and Inclusive Indo-Pacific (FOIP)—ensuring maritime stability and protecting global trade routes.
The bilateral partnership aligns with the Quad framework, where India and Japan collaborate with the United States and Australia to safeguard regional interests.
Static GK fact: The Quad grouping was formally revived in 2017 to enhance cooperation on maritime security, technology, and disaster response in the Indo-Pacific.
The Strategic and Global Partnership
India and Japan’s Special Strategic and Global Partnership, established in 2014, forms the backbone of defence collaboration. Regular joint military exercises, 2+2 Ministerial Dialogues, and defence technology sharing deepen trust and readiness between the two nations.
The collaboration also supports shared goals like maritime domain awareness, supply chain resilience, and infrastructure cooperation under the Act East Policy.
Contemporary Diplomatic Context
JAIMEX 25 also holds diplomatic importance following the election of Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi. Her leadership continues Japan’s strong Indo-Pacific focus. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her, affirming that India-Japan ties are crucial for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that the exercise underscores growing strategic convergence on regional challenges, further cementing the India-Japan maritime partnership.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
INS Sahyadri Strengthens India-Japan Naval Partnership through JAIMEX 25:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX 25) |
| Location | Yokosuka, Japan |
| Dates | October 16–17, 2025 |
| Indian Naval Ship | INS Sahyadri (Shivalik-class stealth frigate) |
| Japanese Assets | JS Asahi, JS Oumi, and a submarine |
| Key Officials | Captain Rajat Kumar, Rear Admiral Yamaguchi Nobohisa |
| Strategic Goal | Strengthen Indo-Pacific defence cooperation |
| Partnership Type | Special Strategic and Global Partnership (since 2014) |
| Japan’s Prime Minister | Sanae Takaichi (First female PM of Japan) |
| Broader Framework | Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and Quad alignment |
