Yokosuka
The Indian and Japanese Navies recently completed the Harbour Phase of the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX 25) in Yokosuka, Japan, promoting cooperation and camaraderie between the two forces. The activities included cross-deck visits, professional discussions, operational planning, and a joint yoga camp that encouraged teamwork and friendship among personnel.
The Indian Navy’s spokesperson shared on X that sailors from both navies participated in professional interactions, exchanged best practices, and discussed issues of common interest. The Indian Embassy in Tokyo also posted images of the joint yoga session, highlighting the collaboration between crews of INS Sahyadri and JS Maya.
During the port call, Captain Rajat Kumar, Commanding Officer of INS Sahyadri, met with Rear Admiral Nobuhisa Yamaguchi, Chief of Staff of the JMSDF Yokosuka District, and other regional dignitaries, including law enforcement and coast guard officials. Discussions focused on enhancing interoperability and strengthening professional exchanges to boost maritime cooperation.
INS Sahyadri, India’s indigenously built Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate, participated in JAIMEX 25 from October 16 to 18. Before the harbour phase, the ship joined JMSDF vessels Asahi, Oumi, and the submarine Jinryu for advanced sea drills, including anti-submarine warfare, missile defence exercises, flying operations, and underway replenishment.
These exercises strengthened coordination under the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, established in 2014 to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. INS Sahyadri, commissioned in 2012, reflects India’s progress in defence technology and supports the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’
The Ministry of External Affairs noted that India-Japan defence ties have grown stronger, with both countries sharing common goals for regional peace. Prime Minister Modi congratulated Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, expressing commitment to further deepen this strategic partnership.