Explore the Latest: Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri’s Strategic Mission in Malaysia and the South China Sea

On October 5, 2025, the Indian Navy’s stealth frigate, INS Sahyadri, docked at Kemaman port, Malaysia. This visit is part of India’s Eastern Fleet deployment to the South China Sea and the wider Indo-Pacific region. The Royal Malaysian Navy warmly welcomed INS Sahyadri, celebrating the long-standing cultural and maritime ties between India and Malaysia.

Commissioned in 2012, INS Sahyadri is one of the Shivalik Class Guided Missile Stealth Frigates, representing India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. This ship has participated in many joint exercises, showcasing its capabilities and reinforcing international relations.

This marks INS Sahyadri’s third visit to Malaysia. Its previous missions included a goodwill trip to Port Klang in 2016 and participation in Exercise ‘Samudra Laksamana’ in 2019. These visits highlight the growing naval collaboration between the two countries.

Current geopolitical dynamics underscore India’s role as a key maritime partner in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Kemaman aims to strengthen military cooperation, enhance interoperability between the navies, and share best practices. Both nations recognize that partnerships based on mutual interests can lead to greater stability and security in the region.

During the three-day visit, the ship’s commanding officer met with senior officers from the Royal Malaysian Navy, including First Admiral Abd Halim bin Kamarudin. The agenda included professional exchanges, training sessions for naval personnel, and friendly sports matches.

In a demonstration of goodwill, the crew also organized a yoga session and a charity event. Such activities reflect the Indian Navy’s values of wellness and compassion, reinforcing the bond between India and Malaysia.

Historically, India and Malaysia share deep-rooted ties that span centuries, shaped by cultural and social connections. The Indo-Pacific region’s importance continues to rise, prompting both countries to pursue stronger maritime collaboration. India’s MAHASAGAR initiative and Malaysia’s alignment with ASEAN’s Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) promise mutual benefits through enhanced maritime cooperation.

As naval interactions grow, events like the biennial LIMA exhibition and the successful ‘Samudra Laksamana’ exercises reaffirm the commitment of both nations to regional security. According to recent statistics, naval exercises have increased 25% in frequency over the last five years, indicating a shift towards cooperative security frameworks.

This historical context highlights not just past interactions but also the promising future of India-Malaysia relations in a world where maritime security is more crucial than ever.

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