Navy

New Delhi: As part of the Indian Navy’s Operational Deployment, Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines, on 20 Sep 2026 to participate in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity (JCA).

The ADMM-Plus JCA brings together maritime forces from ASEAN Member States and eight Plus countries for professional and operational engagements aimed at enhancing interoperability, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cooperation in the maritime domain.

The participation of Indian Naval Ships in the ADMM-Plus JCA is in consonance with the Government of India’s Act East Policy and the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), underscoring India’s continued commitment to multilateral maritime cooperation and constructive engagement with regional partners. The deployment will provide opportunities for the Indian Navy to interact with participating maritime forces through professional and operational engagements, contributing to greater understanding of shared maritime challenges.

The port call also reflects the growing maritime engagement between India and the Philippines. Building upon recent bilateral engagements and the establishment of the India–Philippines Strategic Partnership in Aug 2025, the deployment provides an opportunity to further strengthen professional linkages and maritime cooperation between the two countries.

New Delhi: The 13th edition of the Sri Lanka-India bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, is being conducted at Visakhapatnam from 17 to 21 Sep 26. The exercise commenced with the Harbour Phase, which will be followed by the Sea Phase.

INS Kavaratti, an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, and INS Jyoti, the Fleet Tanker, will participate from the Indian Navy, while SLNS Sindurala represents the Sri Lanka Navy. Conceptualised in 2005, SLINEX has evolved into an important forum for fostering maritime cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between the two Navies.

The Harbour Phase, conducted under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command, commenced with an opening ceremony and reception onboard INS Kavaratti for the visiting crew of SLNS Sindurala. The phase includes professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sharing of best practices, Yoga, sports and cultural activities. The subsequent Sea Phase will focus on enhancing operational synergy and interoperability through coordinated activities at sea.

Aligned with India’s vision of MAHASAGAR, SLINEX-26 reinforces India’s commitment to a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment and further consolidates the enduring maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka.

New Delhi: As part of her deployment, Indian Navy’s guided missile frigate INS Trishul made a port call at Alexandria, Egypt from 14 to 17 Sep 2026. The ship was accorded a warm welcome with the Egyptian Naval Ship Al Qadeer escorting on arrival at Alexandria Harbour.

The Commanding Officer and crew of INS Trishul paid homage to the Bravehearts of the two World Wars at the Chatby War Memorial, which contains 12 burials and bears the names of 19 Indian soldiers who died in ships sunk in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Ambassador of India to Egypt, His Excellency Suresh K Reddy, visited INS Trishul and interacted with the ship’s crew. During the interaction, he highlighted the importance of the Indian Navy’s presence in the region.

INS Trishul undertook a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Egyptian Navy Ship ENS Bernees. The exercise involved coordinated manoeuvring drills, communication exercises and approaches for replenishment at sea, providing an opportunity for personnel of both navies to exchange professional expertise and enhance interoperability.

The port call and the PASSEX reaffirm the longstanding relationship between the Indian Navy and the Egyptian Navy and contribute to strengthening maritime cooperation between the two friendly nations.

The 43rd edition of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Commanders’ Conference commenced in New Delhi from September 17, 2026. On the opening day of the three-day conference, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth interacted with DG ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani and Coast Guard Commanders on pivotal issues concerning national and maritime security. In his address, Raksha Rajya Mantri commended ICG for safeguarding maritime interests by ensuring coastal security and being the first responder in times of distress at sea, saving precious lives irrespective of the nationality. He called upon ICG to remain prepared for emerging maritime security challenges by keeping pace with rapid technological advancements.

Highlighting that the character of warfare and security challenges are changing rapidly, Shri Sanjay Seth stressed the growing importance of networks, sensors, software, data, Artificial Intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities and space-based technologies. Stressing the need to harness emerging technologies to enhance operational effectiveness, he called for ICG to not only remain a user but also become a co-creator by working closely with start-ups, industry, DRDO and research institutions.

“Aatmanirbharta is not merely about buying Indian; it is about developing solutions for Indian challenges and creating capabilities that can meet global requirements. This embodies our vision of ‘Make in India, Make of World’,” added Raksha Rajya Mantri.

Raksha Rajya Mantri highlighted the ICG’s crucial role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations that contribute to the safety and well-being of people at sea. He stated that the capabilities developed for maritime security also play an important role in search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster response and pollution control.

Shri Sanjay Seth underscored the importance of strengthening India’s maritime capabilities across the spectrum, from the littoral and green waters to the open oceans and blue waters, in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). He stressed the need for advanced platforms, underwater technologies, unmanned systems, long-endurance surveillance capabilities, satellite-enabled maritime domain awareness and secure communications. “As India’s maritime responsibilities expand, our capabilities must expand with them, from our coasts to the wider maritime domain,” he said.

During the conference, the ICG Commanders will also interact with Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, fostering inter-service collaboration across the full spectrum of maritime security. The discussions will further promote the growth, capability development, and infrastructure expansion of ICG.

The deliberations at the conference provide a distinguished platform for ICG Commanders to comprehensively review operational preparedness, material and logistical support, HR development, training, and administrative initiatives undertaken over the past year. It helps them to identify vital milestones essential for safeguarding maritime interests, against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics and complexities of maritime security. Over the course of the conference, the Commanders will assess ongoing projects aimed at strengthening indigenisation through ‘Make in India’ initiative, in alignment with the Government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

New Delhi: The three-day Table Top Exercise (TTX) conducted under the aegis of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) successfully culminated on 11 Sep 2026 at Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Visakhapatnam. The exercise commenced on 09 Sep 2026 with the opening address by RAdm Manoj Jha, Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Eastern Naval Command, focused on developing a ‘Coordinated Response to Illicit Maritime Activities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Delegations and maritime security experts from CSC member states and observer nations engaged in intensive simulated operational scenarios for over 72 hours. The interactions focused on addressing complex, non-traditional security challenges, including maritime terrorism, narcotics smuggling, human trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Participants reviewed existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and streamlined information sharing arrangements to enhance collective Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). The exercise reaffirms the collective resolve of the Colombo Security Conclave nations to foster peace, stability and prosperity in the region and is aligned with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

New Delhi: As part of the Indian Navy’s Operational Deployment, INS Mysore arrived at Lumut, Malaysia, on 09 Sep 2026 to participate in the 4th edition of bilateral maritime exercise ‘Samudra Laksamana’ between the Indian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy.

The ship and her crew were warmly welcomed by personnel of the Royal Malaysian Navy and officials from the High Commission of India in Malaysia. Exercise Samudra Laksamana comprises of professional engagements in harbour and at sea, including cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting engagements. These activities will provide opportunities for personnel of both navies to exchange professional experiences, enhance interoperability and foster greater mutual understanding.

Building upon the momentum generated by recent bilateral engagements, including the 12th India – Malaysia Sub Committee Meeting held on 01 Jul 2026, the visit underscores the strong and enduring maritime partnership between India and Malaysia and reflects the expanding scope of cooperation between the two navies. The visit represents another important step in advancing maritime cooperation and strengthening professional exchanges between the two countries.

The engagement is aligned with the Government of India’s vision of MAHASAGAR and the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026.

New Delhi: Indian Navy’s sail training ship, INS Sudarshini concluded her port call at Barcelona, Spain, on 06 Sep 2026, as part of the ongoing Lokayan 26 expedition.

During the visit, the Commanding Officer held professional exchanges with senior officials of the Spanish Navy and maritime authorities. A deck reception was held onboard, which was attended by senior naval officers, diplomatic representatives, civil authorities and distinguished guests.

The ship was open to visitors enabling members of the Indian diaspora and local residents to interact with the crew and trainees. The port call reaffirmed the enduring maritime ties between India and Spain and provided an opportunity for professional and cultural engagement, further strengthening bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

New Delhi: INS Sudarshini, Indian Navy’s sail training ship, arrived in Barcelona, Spain on 01 Sep 2026, as part of her ongoing transoceanic expedition Lokayan 26.

During her stay at Barcelona, the ship will undertake professional and cultural engagements with the Spanish Navy and other maritime stakeholders. Sea trainees embarked onboard will participate in professional interactions and seamanship exchanges.

INS Sudarshini will be open to visitors on 04 Sep 2026, providing an opportunity to experience India’s maritime traditions and the spirit of naval exploration. The voyage serves as a symbol of India’s maritime endeavour, showcasing India’s prominence in global maritime activities and Indian Navy’s commitment to professional training and excellence in ocean sailing expedition.

New Delhi: The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar Class, at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, on 31 Aug 2026, marking a significant enhancement of the Navy’s deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue capabilities.

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Senior naval officers, representatives from Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, veterans, distinguished guests and families of the commissioning crew were also in attendance.

Indigenously designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam, INS Nipun is a significant addition to the Indian Navy’s specialist underwater capability. Her induction demonstrates India’s growing capability to design and build technologically complex specialist naval platforms and is another significant step towards Aatmanirbharta in defence shipbuilding. It also reflects the contribution of Indian shipyards, domestic industry and associated agencies towards strengthening the Navy’s indigenous capability.

INS Nipun is a purpose-built platform designed primarily for deep-sea diving and underwater operations. The ship is capable of supporting saturation, air and heliox diving and is equipped with remotely operated underwater systems for inspection and intervention. Her specialised diving complex, dynamic positioning capability and associated life-support and medical facilities enable sustained and complex operations at sea.

INS Nipun is also capable of supporting submarine rescue operations, significantly strengthening the Indian Navy’s ability to respond to underwater contingencies. Along with her sister ship INS Nistar, the ship substantially enhances the Navy’s specialist capability in diving, underwater intervention, salvage and submarine rescue.

The ship’s crest and motto embody the spirit of her specialised role and the men who venture into the depths. The motto, ‘Far Beneath, Few Beyond’, reflects the resolve, skill and endurance required to operate in one of the most challenging domains of the maritime environment.

In his address, CNS stated that the induction of INS Nipun reflects the seamless synergy between the Indian Navy, Hindustan Shipyard Limited and the domestic industrial network. He further stated that proving the role-worthiness of all diving systems during sea trials in a single sortie stands as a testament to the nation’s technical confidence and engineering prowess.

CNS emphasised that combat readiness remains the Indian Navy’s highest priority amidst an increasingly contested maritime environment and growing threats to global maritime highways. He noted that, based on the West Coast under the Western Naval Command, INS Nipun will be a powerful addition to the specialised underwater capabilities required to sustain multi-domain operations.

The CNS highlighted that the niche capabilities of INS Nipun, available with only a handful of global navies, enable a swift response to distressed submarines of the Indian Navy as well as partner nations. This capability positions India as the ‘Preferred Submarine Rescue Partner’ in the region, while also providing specialised support for underwater salvage and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.

Addressing the commissioning crew, CNS stated that they inherit not just a sophisticated platform, but also the onerous responsibility to shape the ship’s soul and instil spirit into her steel. Exhorting the crew to live up to the ship’s motto of ‘Nischay, Nirbhay, Nipun’ (Resolve, Fearlessness and Professional Mastery), he urged them to remain anchored in the core naval values of Duty, Honour and Courage.

With the hoisting of the Commissioning Pennant, INS Nipun has formally entered operational service with the Indian Navy, ready to support those who operate beneath the waves and contribute to safeguarding India’s maritime interests.

New Delhi: VAdm Damian Fernando, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, is on an official visit to India from 26 to 29 Aug 2026. The visit is aimed at further strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation and enhancing Navy-to-Navy engagements between India and Sri Lanka.

VAdm Damian Fernando was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at South Block, New Delhi, and paid homage to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial on 27 August 2026. He also held discussions with Adm Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff, on furthering bilateral maritime cooperation, including joint operations, capacity building, training and measures related to maritime security.

During the visit, VAdm Fernando is scheduled to meet senior defence officials, and also interact with representatives of the Indian defence industry to explore avenues for cooperation and collaboration.

As part of the visit, VAdm Fernando will travel to Kochi to visit Indian Naval training establishments and Headquarters Southern Naval Command, with a focus on enhancing training linkages and professional exchanges between the two navies.

The Sri Lanka Navy is an important and longstanding maritime partner of the Indian Navy. The visit of VAdm Damian Fernando is expected to further consolidate the longstanding and multifaceted Navy-to-Navy relationship between India and Sri Lanka, contributing to enhanced maritime cooperation and greater stability in the Indian Ocean Region.