India and South Korea conducted their first-ever bilateral naval exercise in October 2025 at Busan, Republic of Korea. The inaugural India-Republic of Korea Navy Bilateral Exercise (IN-RoKN) was held from 13 to 16 October 2025, marking an important development in naval cooperation between the two countries.
The Indian Navy participated through INS Sahyadri, an indigenously designed and built Shivalik-class guided-missile stealth frigate. The exercise included harbour and sea phases, focusing on professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, joint training and coordinated maritime activities.
The exercise reflected the growing strategic partnership between India and South Korea and their shared interest in strengthening maritime cooperation and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Highlights of India-South Korea Naval Exercise 2025
| Particulars | Details |
| Exercise | India-Republic of Korea Navy Bilateral Exercise |
| Abbreviation | IN-RoKN |
| Edition | First |
| Participating countries | India and South Korea |
| Indian Navy ship | INS Sahyadri |
| Location | Busan, South Korea |
| Exercise period | 13–16 October 2025 |
| Indian ship’s port-call date | 13 October 2025 |
| Phases | Harbour Phase and Sea Phase |
| Indian Navy command | Eastern Naval Command |
| Indian ship’s home port | Visakhapatnam |
What Is the IN-RoKN Bilateral Naval Exercise?
The IN-RoKN Bilateral Exercise is a naval cooperation initiative between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN).
The inaugural edition was conducted in October 2025 at Busan, South Korea. It provided an opportunity for the two navies to improve operational coordination, exchange professional knowledge and develop mutual understanding.
The exercise was divided into two main phases:
- Harbour Phase
The harbour phase focused on professional interactions and knowledge-sharing activities between the personnel of the two navies.
Major activities included:
- Reciprocal cross-deck visits.
- Sharing of operational best practices.
- Cross-training sessions.
- Professional discussions and exchanges.
- Sporting and cultural interactions.
- Courtesy calls by naval officers on senior officials.
- Sea Phase
The sea phase focused on practical maritime cooperation and coordinated naval activities.
It included joint exercises and manoeuvres designed to improve communication, coordination and interoperability between the participating naval units.
INS Sahyadri: India’s Participation in the Exercise
The Indian Navy participated in the inaugural exercise through INS Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class guided-missile stealth frigate.
INS Sahyadri arrived at Busan Naval Harbour on 13 October 2025 as part of its ongoing operational deployment to the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific region.
Important facts about INS Sahyadri:
- It is a Shivalik-class guided-missile stealth frigate.
- It was designed and constructed indigenously in India.
- It was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2012.
- It is the third ship of the Shivalik class.
- It is based at Visakhapatnam.
- It operates under the Eastern Fleet of the Eastern Naval Command.
INS Sahyadri represents India’s indigenous warship-building capability and the country’s efforts towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
About the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN)
The Republic of Korea Navy is the naval branch of the Republic of Korea’s armed forces. It is responsible for protecting South Korea’s maritime interests, maintaining maritime security and supporting national defence operations.
The navy operates a range of naval platforms, including:
- Destroyers.
- Frigates.
- Submarines.
- Amphibious assault ships.
- Maritime patrol and support vessels.
Its participation in the bilateral exercise with India reflects the growing importance of naval cooperation between the two countries.
Significance of the India-South Korea Naval Exercise
The inaugural IN-RoKN exercise is important for strengthening maritime relations between India and South Korea.
- Improved Interoperability
Joint training and coordinated activities help the two navies improve their ability to operate together during maritime missions.
- Stronger Defence Cooperation
The exercise provides a platform for naval personnel to exchange professional knowledge and operational experience.
- Indo-Pacific Maritime Security
Both countries recognise the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region. Naval cooperation contributes to maritime awareness and regional security.
- Strengthening Strategic Partnership
Regular naval interactions help build mutual confidence and strengthen the broader strategic relationship between India and South Korea.
- Support for Freedom of Navigation
Cooperation between regional navies supports safe maritime movement and respect for international maritime rules.
Major Naval Exercises of India
India conducts bilateral and multilateral naval exercises with several countries to improve maritime cooperation, interoperability and operational readiness.
Some important exercises include:
| Exercise | Participating Countries |
| Malabar | India, United States, Japan and Australia |
| SLINEX | India and Sri Lanka |
| INDRA | India and Russia |
| AUSINDEX | India and Australia |
| Naseem-Al-Bahr | India and Oman |
| Varuna | India and France |
| JIMEX | India and Japan |
| IN-RoKN | India and South Korea |
These exercises help strengthen India’s maritime partnerships and improve cooperation with friendly foreign navies.
About the Indian Navy
The Indian Navy is the maritime branch of the Indian Armed Forces. Its primary responsibility is to protect India’s maritime interests, secure its sea routes and safeguard the country’s maritime boundaries.
Important facts about the Indian Navy:
- Motto: Sham No Varunah (May the Lord of the Oceans be auspicious unto us).
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
- Chief of the Naval Staff in 2025: Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.
- Main operational commands: Western Naval Command, Eastern Naval Command and Southern Naval Command.
- Important roles: Maritime security, coastal defence, disaster relief, anti-piracy operations and international naval cooperation.
The Indian Navy also participates in bilateral and multilateral exercises to strengthen maritime security and promote cooperation in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions.
Conclusion
The inaugural India-Republic of Korea Navy Bilateral Exercise (IN-RoKN) was conducted from 13 to 16 October 2025 at Busan, South Korea. INS Sahyadri represented the Indian Navy in this first bilateral naval exercise with the Republic of Korea Navy.
The harbour and sea phases included professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, training activities and coordinated maritime exercises. The initiative strengthened naval engagement between the two countries and supported their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
For competitive examinations, remember the exercise name IN-RoKN, its first edition in October 2025, the location Busan, and the Indian Navy’s participating ship, INS Sahyadri.
