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The Indian Navy has deployed two frontline warships to South Africa and Russia for separate maritime exercises, underscoring New Delhi’s emphasis on strengthening naval interoperability and defence partnerships across key maritime regions.
INS Tarkash, a guided-missile stealth frigate, is in South Africa to participate in the ninth edition of the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR IX) exercise. Meanwhile, INS Sahyadri arrived in Vladivostok on October 10 for Exercise INDRA 2026, a bilateral engagement with the Russian Federation Navy scheduled from October 13 to 18.
IBSAMAR IX brings together the Indian, Brazilian and South African navies to enhance operational coordination, exchange professional expertise and strengthen cooperation in maritime security. Conducted biennially since 2008 under the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) framework, the exercise has evolved into a platform for joint training across a range of naval operations. This year’s theme is “Stronger Together Towards a Shared Future in the Maritime Domain.”
The exercise covers surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare, naval aviation, maritime interdiction, visit, board, search and seizure operations, anti-piracy missions, search and rescue, and damage control and firefighting. Professional interactions among personnel are also part of the programme.
The South African Navy is participating with SAS Amatola, SAS King Sekhukhune I and SAS Adam Kok III, along with the submarine SAS Manthatisi. Brazil has deployed BNS Barroso, accompanied by an integral Lynx helicopter, while INS Tarkash is operating with an integral Chetak helicopter.
In Russia, INS Sahyadri’s participation in INDRA 2026 will comprise harbour-phase engagements followed by coordinated operations at sea. The exercise is intended to improve mutual understanding, operational coordination and interoperability between the two navies. Social and cultural engagements will complement the operational programme, fostering professional ties and camaraderie among personnel.
The deployment aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions – and builds on the longstanding defence and maritime partnership between India and Russia. It also follows the momentum generated by the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, held on December 4–5, 2025.
Together, the deployments reflect the Indian Navy’s continued engagement with partner navies through exercises that strengthen operational preparedness, promote the exchange of best practices and support cooperation in addressing shared maritime challenges.
Team BharatShakti
