INS Sahyadri Arrives in Vladivostok for India-Russia Joint Naval Exercise INDRA 2026

Indian Navy warship INS Sahyadri has reached Vladivostok, Russia, ahead of the bilateral naval exercise INDRA 2026, scheduled to be conducted from October 13 to 18. The exercise will bring together personnel from the Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy to strengthen maritime cooperation and enhance operational coordination. The deployment underscores the longstanding defence and maritime partnership between New Delhi and Moscow. Through a range of professional exchanges and joint naval activities, both sides aim to improve interoperability, strengthen mutual understanding and develop their ability to work together in maritime operations.

According to the Ministry of Defence, INDRA 2026 will offer an important platform for personnel from the two navies to exchange expertise, share operational practices and improve coordination at sea. INS Sahyadri's participation also reflects India's MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The initiative focuses on strengthening maritime partnerships, encouraging collaborative engagement and supporting regional security.

The deployment follows the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, held on December 4–5, 2025, and highlights the continued engagement between the two countries in defence and maritime affairs. The exercise will commence with a harbour phase, featuring professional interactions, planning sessions and discussions between naval personnel from both countries. This phase will provide opportunities to exchange knowledge and prepare for subsequent operational activities. The harbour phase will be followed by exercises at sea, involving coordinated manoeuvres and other maritime operations. These activities are intended to enhance interoperability, improve operational preparedness and strengthen the ability of both navies to operate effectively alongside each other.

In addition to the professional and operational programme, social and cultural events will provide opportunities for Indian and Russian naval personnel to build closer relationships and strengthen camaraderie. Over the years, Exercise INDRA has become an established component of India-Russia bilateral military cooperation, providing a regular platform for engagement between the armed forces of both nations.

The host city, holds strategic importance as a major Russian naval centre on the Pacific coast and the headquarters of Russia's Pacific Fleet. Its location provides a significant setting for maritime engagement and naval cooperation between the two countries. INS Sahyadri is an indigenously designed and constructed Shivalik-class guided-missile stealth frigate that entered service with the Indian Navy in 2012. The warship also highlights India's progress in developing domestic shipbuilding and advanced naval capabilities. With INDRA 2026, India and Russia seek to further strengthen their maritime partnership, improve operational coordination and deepen professional ties between their naval forces, contributing to continued cooperation and maritime security in the region.