OCT 05: Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Sahyadri made a port call at Kemaman Port, Malaysia on October 2, 2025, as part of the Eastern Fleet’s operational deployment to the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific. The ship was warmly welcomed by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), highlighting enduring cultural ties and shared maritime traditions between India and Malaysia.
Indigenously designed, constructed, and commissioned in 2012, INS Sahyadri is the third ship of the Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigates and exemplifies India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The frigate has participated in numerous bilateral and multilateral exercises, operational deployments, and goodwill visits.
This marks INS Sahyadri’s third visit to Malaysia, following earlier visits to Port Klang in 2016 and Kota Kinabalu in 2019 for Exercise Samudra Laksamana. The current visit underscores strong naval cooperation between the two nations and enhances interoperability, professional exchanges, and sharing of best practices.
During the three-day stay, the Ship’s Commanding Officer held courtesy calls on senior RMN officials, including First Admiral Abd Halim bin Kamarudin, Deputy Commander Naval Region. Activities included cross-training, sports fixtures, city tours, yoga sessions, and a charity event, reflecting the Indian Navy’s emphasis on wellness, compassion, and bilateral friendship.
India and Malaysia share multi-dimensional ties spanning cultural, social, and economic spheres. With the growing strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific, both nations continue to strengthen regional partnerships through initiatives like India’s MAHASAGAR and ASEAN’s AOIP, along with exercises such as MILAN and Samudra Laksamana, promoting maritime security and cooperation in the region.
