INS Sahyadri Joins Malabar 2025 Naval Exercise in Guam, Strengthening India’s Indo-Pacific Presence

The Exercise Malabar 2025—a major multilateral naval drill—has begun at Guam in the Northern Pacific Ocean. Representing India, the INS Sahyadri, a stealth-guided missile frigate, has joined the exercise alongside the United States, Japan, and Australia, the four Quad nations.
This drill highlights India’s strategic commitment to maintaining peace, security, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

INS Sahyadri Joins Malabar 2025 Naval Exercise in Guam, Strengthening India’s Indo-Pacific Presence

India’s Participation: INS Sahyadri in Focus

INS Sahyadri is an indigenously designed and built stealth frigate under Project 17 (Shivalik-class) by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai.
It symbolizes the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative in defence manufacturing.
The ship has previously participated in several bilateral and multilateral naval operations, showcasing India’s global maritime presence.
Through Malabar 2025, India strengthens interoperability with partner nations and reinforces maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

What is Exercise Malabar?

Started in 1992 as a bilateral naval exercise between India and the U.S.
Later expanded into a Quadrilateral Exercise involving India, the United States, Japan, and Australia.
It focuses on joint operations, maritime surveillance, and tactical coordination among the Quad navies.
The main goal is to promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and collective maritime security.

Structure of Malabar 2025

1️⃣ Harbour Phase (Held at Guam Port):

Operational meetings and planning sessions
Alignment of communication systems
Cultural exchange events and sports matches
Strengthens mutual understanding and coordination before field operations

2️⃣ Sea Phase:

Joint fleet manoeuvres
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) drills
Gunnery and missile firing exercises
Helicopter and aircraft flying operations
These activities test combat readiness, improve joint response capability, and build real-time coordination between navies.

Why Guam Matters

Guam is a U.S. island territory located strategically in the Western Pacific Ocean.
Acts as a forward base for regional defence and rapid response operations.
Hosting Malabar 2025 here signifies the importance of Indo-Pacific security and collective deterrence against threats.
India’s participation from such a vital location highlights its blue-water naval strength and global maritime ambition.

Exam-Oriented Notes

Exercise Name: Malabar 2025
Location: Guam, Northern Pacific
Indian Ship: INS Sahyadri
Ship Type: Shivalik-class Guided Missile Stealth Frigate
Built Under: Project 17 by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
Participating Nations: India, U.S., Japan, Australia (Quad)
Started In: 1992 (India-U.S. bilateral)
Purpose: Strengthen maritime cooperation & ensure Indo-Pacific security

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Question & Answer

Q1. Which Indian naval ship is participating in Exercise Malabar 2025?
(a) INS Vikrant
(b) INS Sahyadri
(c) INS Kolkata
(d) INS Trikand
Answer: INS Sahyadri

Q2. Where is Exercise Malabar 2025 being held?
(a) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(b) Bay of Bengal
(c) Guam, Northern Pacific
(d) Sydney Harbour
Answer: Guam, Northern Pacific

Q3. Malabar Exercise 2025 includes which nations as participants?
(a) India, China, Russia, Japan
(b) India, U.S., Japan, Australia
(c) India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Indonesia
(d) India, U.K., France, U.S.
Answer: India, U.S., Japan, Australia

Q4. Under which project was INS Sahyadri built?
(a) Project 15B
(b) Project 17
(c) Project 28
(d) Project 75
Answer: Project 17

Q5. When was the Malabar Exercise first started?
(a) 1990
(b) 1992
(c) 1995
(d) 2000
Answer: 1992

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