Table of Contents
India and South Korea Hold First-Ever Naval Exercise at Busan
Summary
- First ever drill: IN–RoKN began on 13 October 2025 at Busan Naval Base, South Korea, marking the first bilateral naval exercise between India and ROK (Republic of Korea) Navy.
- Ship deployed: The Indian Navy is participating with the stealth frigate INS Sahyadri (Shivalik-class), which is part of India’s Eastern Fleet.
- Two phases: The exercise is structured in a Harbour Phase (in-port; professional/social exchanges) followed by a Sea Phase (at sea operational drills and joint manoeuvres).
What happened
- Arrival and welcome: INS Sahyadri arrived at Busan harbour on 13 October, and was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the Republic of Korea Navy.
- Deployment context: The ship is on its operational deployment through the South China Sea and wider Indo-Pacific, underlining India’s commitment to regional maritime presence.
- Harbour phase activities: Includes cross-deck visits, sharing of operational best practices, cross-training sessions (e.g. ship handling, communications), sports and cultural exchanges, and dignitary visits by commanding officers.
- Sea phase plans: INS Sahyadri will conduct joint drills with ROK Navy ship ROKS Gyeongnam, involving coordinated manoeuvres, tactical communication drills, likely search-and-rescue, damage control, seamanship training.
Objectives and strategic significance
- Interoperability enhancement: Improve coordination in operations, communications protocols, joint ship handling and manoeuvring at sea.
- Trust building and professional ties: Creating familiarity, understanding of each other’s naval procedures, and building mutual confidence through personnel exchanges and joint training.
- Maritime security and stability: Reinforcing commitment to free navigation, rules-based maritime order in Indo-Pacific, enhancing domain awareness and readiness for humanitarian assistance/disaster relief etc.
- Image and policy alignment: The use of INS Sahyadri (an indigenously built ship) emphasises India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ policy; reflects India’s goal to be seen as responsible security partner. Also aligns with India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
What the navies will do (harbour and sea phase)
- Harbour Phase
Cross-deck visits: Officers and crew from both sides will visit one another’s ships to observe operations and equipment.
Professional exchanges and training: Sharing best practices, doing cross training in disciplines like communications, ship handling, engineering, navigation.
Social and cultural interactions: Friendly sports matches, cultural exchanges, visits with dignitaries to foster personal connections.
Courtesy calls: Commanding officer of INS Sahyadri to meet senior Korean naval officials and local dignitaries.
- Sea Phase
Joint manoeuvres: INS Sahyadri and ROKS Gyeongnam to conduct coordinated navigation and tactical drills at sea.
Communication and tactical drills: Emphasis on efficiency of communication, formation steaming, response drills, possibly damage control.
Maritime interdiction, ASW etc.?: Some reports indicate possibility of maritime interdiction operations (MIO) and anti-submarine warfare components.
Operational synergy under complex scenarios: Testing joint response under simulated operational challenges, enhancing readiness.
Why it matters now
- New defence milestone: This is the first dedicated naval‐bilateral exercise between India and South Korea, moving relation beyond occasional visits or multilateral drills.
- Shared regional interest: Both countries see value in stabilising the Indo-Pacific region, especially with rising geopolitical tensions, maritime disputes, and strategic competition.
- Act East and IPOI alignment: Fits with India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative; South Korea is increasingly engaging with Indo-Pacific frameworks.
- Demonstration of capabilities: By deploying INS Sahyadri (indigenous stealth frigate), India showcases shipbuilding, operational reach, and readiness to work with partners.
Immediate next steps and reporting
- Complete harbour interactions: Finish all port-based events such as cross-deck visits, training, and diplomatic engagements.
- Launch sea drills: Set sail with ROKS Gyeongnam for sea-phase operations; begin actual joint exercises at sea under varying scenarios.
- Post-exercise debrief: Both navies likely to share lessons learned, assess performance, discuss improvements for future drills. (Though details of public release are yet to come) — implied in many reports.
Important Questions
- On what date and at which location did the first India–South Korea naval exercise start?
- What is the name and class of the Indian Navy ship participating in the India–South Korea naval exercise?
- What activities are included in the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase of the India–South Korea naval drill?
- What are the main objectives of the India–South Korea naval exercise in terms of cooperation and security?
- How does the India–South Korea naval exercise support India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative?
Conclusion
The India–South Korea naval exercise at Busan represents a key milestone in defence relations, improving naval coordination, mutual understanding, and operational readiness. The joint effort highlights both countries’ commitment to regional stability, maritime security, and closer cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
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