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

The stealth frigate of the Indian Navy INS Sahyadri, reached the port of Vladivostok, Russia, on October 10, 2026, for the participation in the joint exercise called INDRA-2026, which is planned for October 13 to 18. The objective of the exercise is to enhance cooperation in the maritime sector, interoperability and professional exchange of the Indian and Russian Navy. The exercise would involve shore activities, sea exercises and cultural exchange.

INDRA-2026: Key Points

It has been stated by the Ministry of Defense that INS Sahyadri arrived in Vladivostok on October 10, 2026.

INDRA-2026 is a bi-lateral navy drill which is performed between Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy (RuFN).

This exercise will be held from October 13 to 18, 2026.

Two Stages of Exercise INDRA-2026

The exercise will consist of two major stages that include shore-based interactions as well as maritime operations at sea.

• Harbor Stage: Professional interactions, exchanges of knowledge and other interactions between naval officers.
• Sea Stage: Maritime operations and exercises for increasing mutual understanding and cooperation.
• Social and cultural interactions: Interactions aimed at fostering friendship among officers of the two navies.

The aim of the exercise is to facilitate coordination in activities of both navies during joint maritime operations.

IND Sahyadri and its Contribution to the Indian Navy

The Indian Navy’s indigenously constructed, stealth multi-role frigate is known as INS Sahyadri. It is a member of the Shivalik-class of guided-missile frigates that are intended for various naval operations.

The inclusion of the ship in the INDRA-2026 exercise allows the Indian Navy to interact with Russian counterparts and learn coordinated maneuvers at sea.

This also continues the tradition of the ship’s involvement in international fleet exercises, after its involvement along with INS Kulish in the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) 2026 held in the Philippines in October.

MAHASAGAR Vision and Maritime Cooperation by India

The deployment of INS Sahyadri is in line with India’s MAHASAGAR vision that stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

This vision was announced in 2025 and goes beyond the earlier vision of India in relation to the Indian Ocean Region, known as SAGAR.

The exercise comes in the wake of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, which was held in New Delhi from December 4-5, 2025, during the State visit of the President of Russia, Mr. Vladimir Putin.

The two countries reiterated their commitment to the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between them.