What happened
On October 22, 2025, INS Sahyadri, commanded by Captain Rajat Kumar, arrived at Yokosuka, Japan, to take part in the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX 25). The ship was received in a formal ceremony by R Madhu Sudan, Charge d’Affaires at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, and Rear Admiral Yamaguchi Nobohisa, Chief of Staff of the JMSDF Yokosuka District. The two-day exercise, conducted off the coast of Kyushu, involved Japan’s JS Asahi, JS Oumi, and a submarine, supported by the Japan Ground and Air Self-Defence Forces. The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force stated that the drill enhanced tactical coordination and operational readiness between the two navies.
Why it matters to India
The exercise reinforces the growing depth of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, rooted in shared values of peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific. JAIMEX 25 reflects the two nations’ mutual commitment to maintaining a free, open, and rules-based maritime order. It also demonstrates India’s focus on strengthening defence interoperability and joint operations with like-minded partners.