India’s Role in Malabar 2025
INS Sahyadri Strengthens India’s Naval Presence in Guam: The Exercise Malabar 2025 is being conducted at Guam in the Northern Pacific Ocean, marking one of the most significant naval engagements of the Quad alliance — India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. Representing India, the INS Sahyadri, an advanced stealth-guided missile frigate, has joined the operation, demonstrating India’s growing maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region.
Static GK fact: The first Malabar Exercise was held in 1992 as a bilateral drill between India and the United States before evolving into a Quad-level operation.
INS Sahyadri and Indigenous Naval Capability
INS Sahyadri was indigenously designed and constructed under Project 17 (Shivalik-class) by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. The ship exemplifies India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by integrating stealth technologies and advanced weapon systems.
This frigate has participated in several multilateral operations, including RIMPAC and INDO-PACOM engagements, strengthening India’s position as a responsible maritime power. Its presence in Malabar 2025 highlights India’s commitment to self-reliance and its pursuit of maritime interoperability with global partners.
Static GK Tip: The Shivalik-class was India’s first class of multi-role stealth frigates, designed for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare missions.
Structure of Malabar 2025
Harbour Phase
The Harbour Phase, conducted at Guam Port, involves operational briefings, technical coordination meetings, and cultural exchanges among the four participating navies. Activities include communication alignment, ship visits, and sports interactions, fostering personal and strategic rapport before active sea operations begin.
Sea Phase
During the Sea Phase, the participating navies conduct complex naval operations such as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drills, gunnery exercises, and joint fleet manoeuvres. Advanced air operations involving helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft enhance tactical coordination and improve maritime situational awareness.
Static GK fact: The Indian Navy operates one of the largest fleets in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), with more than 130 combat ships and submarines.
Strategic Importance of Guam
Located in the Western Pacific Ocean, Guam serves as a strategic forward base for the United States Navy. Hosting Malabar 2025 here reflects the growing emphasis on Indo-Pacific security, early warning systems, and maintaining a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
India’s deployment of INS Sahyadri underscores its increasing blue-water capabilities and willingness to operate alongside major powers in distant waters. It symbolizes India’s shift from a regional to a global maritime player, contributing to peace, stability, and freedom of navigation across critical sea routes.
Static GK Tip: Guam is an unincorporated U.S. territory, located about 2,500 km east of the Philippines and forms a crucial link in the U.S. Pacific defense chain.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
INS Sahyadri Strengthens India’s Naval Presence in Guam:
| Topic | Detail |
| Exercise Name | Malabar 2025 |
| Location | Guam, Northern Pacific Ocean |
| Indian Ship Participating | INS Sahyadri |
| Ship Type | Shivalik-class Guided Missile Stealth Frigate |
| Built By | Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai |
| Project | Project 17 |
| Participating Nations | India, United States, Japan, Australia (Quad) |
| First Malabar Exercise Year | 1992 |
| Key Drills | Anti-submarine warfare, gunnery, fleet manoeuvres |
| Strategic Focus | Indo-Pacific maritime security and interoperability |
