INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri Make Historic Overseas Debut at Sri Lanka’s IFR 2025

This visit marks the first-ever overseas deployment for both INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, symbolising a major stride in India’s naval outreach.

India has marked a significant milestone in its maritime journey as INS Vikrant, the nation’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, and INS Udaygiri, an indigenously built stealth frigate, participate in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo from 27 to 29 November 2025. The prestigious naval gathering is part of the Sri Lanka Navy’s 75th anniversary celebrations and features participation from several global navies through ships, delegations and observers.

A Historic Maiden Overseas Deployment

This visit marks the first-ever overseas deployment for both INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, symbolising a major stride in India’s naval outreach. Their participation reflects India’s growing role as a security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and reinforces the Navy’s doctrine of regional cooperation, interoperability and maritime diplomacy.

INS Vikrant’s presence is particularly significant. As India’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier, her participation in an international fleet review showcases India’s robust shipbuilding capabilities and technological confidence. This deployment not only reflects the Navy’s increasing blue-water aspirations but also underscores India’s commitment to contributing to global maritime stability.

Strengthening Maritime Partnerships in the Indian Ocean

The International Fleet Review serves as a platform for navies across the world to enhance maritime partnerships, exchange ideas on naval operations, and strengthen collaborative mechanisms. India’s participation highlights its commitment to peace, security and freedom of navigation, especially in the strategically vital Indian Ocean maritime expanse.

Sri Lanka’s decision to host the mega-event as part of its naval platinum jubilee further enhances bilateral naval ties between the two nations. The presence of both Indian warships signifies the growing India–Sri Lanka maritime cooperation rooted in mutual trust, capacity-building, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and coordinated operations to secure the region from emerging maritime threats.

A Showcase of India’s Expanding Indigenous Naval Power

INS Udaygiri, commissioned recently under the Project 17A programme, represents India's next generation of stealth frigates equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, advanced weapon platforms, and enhanced survivability features. Her participation signals the Navy’s readiness to field modern indigenous platforms in complex international engagements.

The deployment of Vikrant and Udaygiri together demonstrates:

• India’s maturing warship design and shipbuilding ecosystem,

• the Navy’s increasing operational reach, and

• its ability to support regional maritime initiatives with credible power projection.

Vibrant Naval Engagements Planned in Colombo

During their stay in Colombo, INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri will take part in several high-profile IFR events, including:

• The ceremonial fleet review, where President Ranil Wickremesinghe is expected to review participating ships.

• City parade and cultural displays showcasing naval traditions and national pride.

• Community outreach projects, strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka.

• Professional naval exchanges, including seminars, onboard interactions and joint activities that help enhance operational understanding and maritime interoperability.

To encourage naval awareness and engage the public, both ships will also be open for visitors, offering Sri Lankan citizens and international guests a rare opportunity to witness India’s advanced maritime platforms up close.

A Strong Message of Peace, Security and Regional Cooperation

The presence of INS Vikrant—the pride of Indian shipbuilding—alongside INS Udaygiri sends a strong message about India’s commitment to a secure, stable, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. The deployment underscores India’s resolve to collaborate with maritime neighbours, enhance capacity-building, and support peaceful maritime governance anchored in international law.

As the two indigenously built naval giants represent India at IFR 2025, they not only celebrate Sri Lanka Navy’s 75-year journey but also reiterate India’s vision of strong regional partnerships, credible maritime capability, and unwavering dedication to the security of the Indian Ocean Region.