Navy

New Delhi: Indian Naval Ships Udaygiri and Kavaratti, under the command of RAdm Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), departed Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on 24 Jun 2026 on completion of port call for further deployment in South East Asia region.

FOCEF called on senior functionaries of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and the Vietnamese People’s Navy and exchanged perspectives on maritime cooperation, professional collaboration, and regional maritime security. The visit also included a wreath laying ceremony at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh, where FOCEF, accompanied by the Commanding Officers of INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti, paid tribute to the enduring legacy of the visionary leader.

As part of the port call, personnel of the Indian Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy participated in a range of professional interactions and bilateral exercises which provided an opportunity for both navies to exchange operational experiences and reinforce their shared commitment towards maritime security and safe seas. To mark the 12th International Day of Yoga a joint yoga session was also conducted onboard INS Kavaratti.

During the visit, the Ambassador of India to Vietnam was hosted onboard INS Udaygiri along with representatives of the Vietnam People’s Navy, members of the diplomatic community, and other distinguished guests.

India and Vietnam share an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership founded on mutual trust, converging interests, and close people-to-people ties. The port call reaffirms Government of India’s Act East Policy and the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), reflecting India’s continued commitment towards constructive maritime engagement and cooperation with friendly countries of the region.

New Delhi: INS Udaygiri, a stealth frigate, and INS Kavaratti, an anti-submarine warfare corvette, both indigenously designed and constructed warships of the Indian Navy, arrived at Nha Rong Port, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on 22 Jun 2026 during their operational deployment to the South East Asia region.

The ships, led by RAdm Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, were accorded a warm ceremonial welcome by personnel from the Vietnam People’s Navy, representatives of the HCMC People’s Committee, and port authorities. The reception reflected the close, longstanding ties between the two navies and the growing maritime partnership between India and Vietnam.

During the port call, the Indian Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy will undertake a series of professional interactions, cross-deck exchanges, sporting fixtures and community outreach activities. Senior leadership interactions are also scheduled, offering an opportunity to exchange perspectives and further strengthen bilateral naval cooperation.

This deployment marks the Indian Navy’s first major presence in Vietnam since the bilateral relationship was elevated to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2026.

New Delhi: The Indian Navy successfully completed a complex operation involving the recovery of an unexploded missile warhead from the crude oil tanker MT Olympic Life.

The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, which did not have any Indian nationals onboard, was on passage from Fujairah, UAE, to Kochi reported an explosion in its hull, while off the coast of Oman on 26 May 2026.

The vessel reported the presence of an unexploded ordnance as it continued its transit towards Kochi.

On receipt of information through the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Indian Navy initiated a coordinated response. Kochi based Southern Naval Command deployed a specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team for a detailed assessment. The team confirmed that a projectile had penetrated the vessel’s hull, traversed multiple structural compartments and was lodged inside a fuel tank.

In view of the risks associated with the presence of an unexploded missile warhead inside a fuel storage compartment, the EOD team adopted a deliberate and phased approach to ensure the safety of the ship, its crew and surrounding port infrastructure.

After completion of prescribed safety procedures, the EOD team employed advanced diagnostic methods to identify and isolate the detonation mechanism before carrying out the safe extraction of the warhead along with the associated debris.

The recovered ordnance has been transported to a secure facility for safe stowage and detailed examination.

This meticulously planned and executed high-risk operation, conducted over an extended duration, underscores the Indian Navy’s proficiency in explosive ordnance disposal, technical expertise and effective inter-agency coordination in addressing complex maritime contingencies.

The Indian Navy’s prompt response, to an emergency at sea, irrespective of the nationality of the crew or the ownership of MT Olympic Life, reaffirms its role as a responsible maritime force dedicated to global maritime safety and a trusted and preferred security partner in the region

New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar departed Colombo, Sri Lanka on 18 May 2026 following a successful three-day port call, further reinforcing the enduring maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka and advancing India’s vision of MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

During the visit, the Commanding Officer of IOS Sagar called on senior leadership of the Sri Lanka Navy and held discussions focused on enhancing maritime cooperation, regional security, and collective efforts towards ensuring safe and secure sea lanes in the Indian Ocean Region.

A deck reception hosted onboard IOS Sagar served as a platform for diplomatic engagement and strengthened professional interactions among naval personnel and distinguished guests. The event highlighted the multinational character of the ship’s crew and underscored the spirit of regional cooperation embodied by the deployment.

As part of outreach activities, IOS Sagar welcomed senior Sri Lanka Navy officers, local school children, and members of the Indian diaspora onboard, providing them with an opportunity to experience the operational capabilities and life aboard the ship firsthand.

The visit also featured professional and cultural engagements aimed at fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding. A friendly volleyball match between the personnel of Sri Lanka Navy and IOS Sagar promoted esprit de corps and strengthened interpersonal bonds between the two navies.

In addition, the multinational crew undertook cultural visits to Galle and Kandy, gaining deeper insights into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

On departure from Colombo, IOS Sagar participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Sri Lanka Navy Ship SLNS Nandimithra. The exercise included coordinated tactical manoeuvres and communication drills designed to enhance interoperability, seamanship, and operational coordination between the two navies.

IOS Sagar is presently enroute Kochi, continuing its mission of fostering maritime cooperation, interoperability and friendship among partner nations in the Indian Ocean Region.

New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s oceanographic research vessel, INS Sagardhwani, departed Port Klang, Malaysia on 15 May 2026 after concluding a successful engagement with the Royal Malaysian Navy. The port call enabled productive interactions between the two sides through a series of professional and scientific interactions.

Personnel from both sides shared insights on modern hydrographic practices, marine environmental research, and emerging advancements in oceanographic technologies. As part of the programme, a delegation from the Hydrographic Department of the Royal Malaysian Navy visited the ship who were familiarised with onboard oceanographic systems.

A Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) between the specialist officers also focused on data-centric maintenance approaches, trend assessment methods, navigation safety tools, and technology-enabled decision-support mechanisms.

During the stay, the Commanding Officer of INS Sagardhwani called on the High Commissioner of India to Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. Discussions centred on ship’s ongoing oceanographic mission and deeper scientific cooperation.

The deployment highlights the deepening maritime relationship between India and Malaysia while reaffirming shared commitment of both Navies towards regional engagement, knowledge sharing, and closer professional ties.

New Delhi: The Indian Coast Guard marked a significant enhancement in its operational capability with the commissioning of Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Achal, the latest vessel in the new-generation Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessel series, at Goa Shipyard Limited on May 09, 2026.

Named Achal, meaning ‘firm’, the vessel symbolizes the Indian Coast Guard’s steadfast commitment towards safeguarding national maritime interests, protecting life at sea, and ensuring the security of India’s maritime frontiers.

The vessel will undertake a wide spectrum of maritime operations, including coastal and offshore surveillance, interdiction, Search and Rescue (SAR), anti-smuggling operations, and marine pollution response.

The ship was formally commissioned into service by Shri A. Anbarasu, Additional Secretary & Director General (Acquisition), Ministry of Defence, in the august presence of Inspector General Tekur Sashi Kumar, Commander, Coast Guard Region (North-West), senior officials of the Central and State Governments, and representatives of Goa Shipyard Limited.

Designed and built indigenously by M/s Goa Shipyard Limited, it represents a significant milestone in India’s shipbuilding capabilities. Incorporating more than 50 percent indigenous components, the vessel underscores the nation’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and aligns with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

The commissioning of ICGS Achal marks another important step in the Indian Coast Guard’s ongoing fleet expansion programme and will significantly contribute towards strengthening coastal security and enhancing operational readiness.

New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship, INS Sudarshini, concluded a landmark three-day port call at Las Palmas, Canary Islands, on 26 Apr 2026, marking a pivotal milestone in its Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition. The visit to the Spanish archipelago provided an important avenue for maritime diplomacy and professional engagement.

The Commanding Officer, INS Sudarshini, called on RAdm Santiago de Colsa Trueba, Chief of Canary Islands Naval Command. The exchange highlighted the strengthening bilateral ties and the deepening partnership between the two navies.

During the port call, the ship was open to visitors, drawing large numbers from the local community and the Indian diaspora. Showcasing India’s proud seafaring legacy, the visitors were provided a guided tour of the ship, sharing invaluable experiences of ocean sailing and bonds of friendship across the ocean.

INS Sudarshini now proceeds to her next destination – Mindelo, Cape Verde, which will be the final African stopover prior embarking on the trans-Atlantic passage. Having completed seven port calls and maritime engagements with the Navies of West Asia, Mediterranean, Europe, and Africa, the voyage epitomises Indian Navy’s commitment to building Bridges of Friendship and mutual trust across the nations.

Maiden visit of an Indian Naval Ship to the Canary Islands archipelago

New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini arrived at Las Palmas on 23 Apr 2026, as part of her ongoing transoceanic deployment under Lokayan 26. The port call to the Canary Islands archipelago is significant as it marks the maiden visit of an Indian naval ship to the archipelago. The stopover serves as a strategic pause before the ship embarks on her ambitious trans-Atlantic passage.

During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini is scheduled to hold professional interactions with Spanish Naval authorities. Strengthening people-to-people ties, the ship will also be open to visitors for the local Spanish community and the Indian diaspora. INS Sudarshini arrives at Las Palmas Spain, marking Indian Navy’s diplomatic port call, strengthening maritime cooperation and showcasing India’s naval training capabilities globally.

The visit underscores growing maritime cooperation and engagement between the Indian Navy and the Spanish Navy.

Having sailed from Kochi in Jan 2026, INS Sudarshini has undertaken port calls in Oman, Egypt, Malta, France, and Morocco, spreading the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

Looking ahead, the ship will undertake a long trans-Atlantic passage with planned participation in Sail 250 commemorative events across various ports in the United States as part of the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations.