India, South Korea launch first-ever bilateral naval exercise

The inaugural edition of India-South Korea naval bilateral exercise began on 13th October at Busan Naval Base in S. Korea.

Key Points:

• Event: Inaugural edition of the India–South Korea naval bilateral exercise.
• Date & Venue: Began on 13th October 2025 at Busan Naval Base, South Korea.
• Participating Ship: INS Sahyadri, an indigenously designed and built Shivalik-class stealth frigate, commissioned in 2012.
• Significance: Marks a new milestone in the growing strategic partnership between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN).
• Phases of Exercise:
  • Harbour Phase – for professional interactions and planning.
  • Sea Phase – to conduct operational manoeuvres and joint exercises.
• Objectives: Enhance interoperability, mutual understanding, and trust between both navies.
• Strategic Context:
  • Reinforces the importance of the Indo-Pacific region in current geopolitical dynamics.
  • Highlights India’s commitment to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and regional maritime cooperation.
  • Both nations aim to strengthen partnerships based on mutual interests in maintaining peace and stability in the region.