Indian Naval Ships Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Jakarta During Port Visit

Indian Naval Ships INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 17th July 2023, adding to the bilateral maritime cooperation between the two nations. The Indonesian Navy extended a warm welcome to the two frontline Indian Naval ships, which are currently mission deployed in the South Eastern Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

During their port call in Jakarta, personnel from the Indian and Indonesian navies will participate in a series of professional interactions, joint yoga sessions, sports fixtures, and cross-deck visits. These activities are aimed at fostering mutual cooperation and understanding, further strengthening the ties between the two navies.

Following the operational turnaround, INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata will take part in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) at sea in collaboration with the Indonesian Navy. The exercise seeks to enhance the already existing high level of interoperability between the two naval forces.

INS Sahyadri, a stealth frigate, is the third vessel of the indigenously designed and built Project-17 class. Meanwhile, INS Kolkata, the first indigenously designed and built stealth destroyer of the Project-15A class, also accompanies it. Both ships were constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. in Mumbai, showcasing India’s capabilities in indigenous naval shipbuilding.

The visit of these two Indian Naval ships to Jakarta represents a significant step in strengthening the maritime partnership between India and Indonesia. The cooperation and joint exercises between the two navies contribute to regional security and stability in the South Eastern Indian Ocean Region. It also reflects the commitment of both nations to fostering robust defense ties and ensuring the safety and freedom of navigation in the strategically important maritime domain.