Foreign Relation / INS Sahyadri Docks in Vladivostok for INDRA‑2026 India‑Russia Naval Exercise

Moscow, Oct 10: India’s naval outreach took a significant step forward on Saturday as INS Sahyadri sailed into Russia’s Far Eastern port city of Vladivostok.

The arrival underscored the strength of the India‑Russia strategic partnership, bringing together two long‑standing allies to deepen maritime cooperation and reaffirm their enduring friendship on the global stage.

“Vladivostok warmly welcomes the Indian Navy ship Sahyadri. A ceremonial welcome by the Russian Navy marked the ship’s arrival in the city, reflecting the spirit of friendship and maritime camaraderie between India and Russia,” the Consulate General of India in Vladivostok posted on X.

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INS Sahyadri docked to participate in the joint naval exercise INDRA‑2026, Russian state television channel Zvezda reported. The crew was greeted with the traditional bread and salt ceremony.

Captain First Rank Alexey Ulyanenko, Commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet’s surface ship division, welcomed the Indian sailors on behalf of the Russian Navy command.

He emphasized the “enduring friendly ties between Russian and Indian naval personnel,” noting that cooperation continues to grow stronger.

The opening ceremony of INDRA‑2026 is scheduled for October 13, with the exercise comprising coastal and sea phases in the Sea of Japan.

The arrival of INS Sahyadri comes amid broader defence engagements. On October 8, India and Russia held the inaugural session of the 24th Working Group meeting of the India‑Russia Inter‑Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation and Defence Industry in New Delhi.

“The discussions were focussed on reviewing existing military‑technical cooperation and forging co‑production and co‑development initiatives to further cement the India‑Russia Strategic Partnership in Defence,” the Ministry of Defence stated on X.

Last week, a six‑member Russian Navy delegation led by Captain First Rank Sergei V. Saitov visited the Southern Naval Command and the Indian Naval Academy in Kerala.

The Indian Navy noted on X that the delegation familiarised itself with India’s training architecture and explored avenues to deepen maritime cooperation, enhance interoperability, and consolidate professional linkages.

(IANS)