INS Shivalik Arrives in Japan for Key Maritime Exercise

INS Shivalik, India's indigenous stealth frigate, has docked at Yokosuka, Japan to participate in the eighth edition of the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX 24). The event aims to enhance operational interactions and mutual cooperation between the Indian Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, focusing on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

Indian Navy's indigenous stealth frigate, INS Shivalik, has arrived at Yokosuka for the eighth edition of a bilateral Japan-India maritime exercise, officials announced on Tuesday.

'Having grown in scope and complexity over the years, JIMEX 24 provides an opportunity to learn from each other's best practices and facilitates operational interactions between the Indian Navy (IN) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) to foster mutual cooperation and reaffirm their shared commitment towards maritime security in the Indo-Pacific,' a Navy spokesperson stated.

INS Shivalik was warmly received by Vice Adm Ito Hiroshi, Commander of JMSDF Yokosuka District, and Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan. The exercise will comprise professional, sports, and social interactions in the harbour phase, before moving to the sea phase where both navies will enhance their warfighting skills and interoperability through complex multi-discipline operations in the surface, sub-surface, and air domains. The Indian Navy is represented by INS Shivalik, while JMSDF is represented by guided missile destroyer JS Yugiri, with integral helicopters from both navies participating as well.