India, Indonesia Begin Naval Exercise in Visakhapatnam
India and Indonesia launched the fifth edition of their bilateral naval exercise, Samudra Shakti-2025, in Visakhapatnam, strengthening maritime cooperation and ensuring peace in the Indo-Pacific.
Strengthening Tides of Partnership in the Indo-Pacific
The eastern coast of India turned into a stage of strategic cooperation this week as India and Indonesia commenced their fifth bilateral maritime exercise — Samudra Shakti-2025 — at Visakhapatnam on October 14. The four-day exercise, which will run until October 17, highlights a growing maritime synergy between the two Indo-Pacific democracies determined to uphold stability, security, and freedom of navigation across the region.
The Indian Navy’s INS Kavaratti, an advanced anti-submarine warfare corvette, joined hands with the Indonesian Navy’s KRI John Lie, a versatile corvette equipped with an integral helicopter. Together, they embarked on a blend of tactical operations, cultural exchanges, and joint drills — demonstrating the shared commitment to regional peace and maritime cooperation.
Background: A Decade of Growing Naval Ties
The Samudra Shakti series, first initiated in 2018, represents the maturing maritime relationship between India and Indonesia — two major Indian Ocean powers linked by geography, trade, and security interests. Over the years, the exercise has evolved from basic interoperability drills to complex, multi-dimensional operations covering anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction, and air defense coordination.
These engagements fall within a broader framework of Indo-Indonesian defense cooperation, which also includes the annual Garuda Shakti exercise between their armies. Together, these initiatives strengthen operational familiarity and mutual trust between the armed forces of both nations.
The Harbour Phase: Building Trust Beyond the Deck
The initial phase of Samudra Shakti-2025 — the harbour phase — has been rich with cultural and professional exchanges designed to foster camaraderie among sailors. Activities such as cross-deck visits, professional knowledge-sharing sessions, friendly sports fixtures, and even joint yoga exercises have underscored the spirit of partnership beyond mere operational coordination.
These engagements not only build interpersonal bonds but also strengthen professional understanding between the two navies, making joint missions smoother and more effective in real-world scenarios.
The Sea Phase: Real-World Maritime Synergy
Following the harbour phase, the sea phase has introduced dynamic and complex maritime operations designed to enhance tactical interoperability. The drills include helicopter operations, air defense exercises, weapon firing practices, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises — a crucial element in modern maritime security operations such as counter-piracy and anti-smuggling missions.
These exercises simulate real-world challenges faced by navies in maintaining maritime order, offering both sides valuable experience in collaborative decision-making, situational awareness, and coordinated response.
Why It Matters: The Indo-Pacific Security Context
In the backdrop of rising maritime competition and territorial assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, India and Indonesia’s collaboration carries strategic weight. The region has become a focal point of global geopolitical interest — with major powers vying for influence over trade routes, naval dominance, and security partnerships.
Both New Delhi and Jakarta have long advocated for a “free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.” Their joint exercises reflect a shared vision of maintaining a rules-based maritime order, free from coercion and aligned with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Expert Insight: A Strategic Balancing Act
Defense analyst Dr. Anil Kumar, a maritime security researcher at the Institute for Strategic Studies, notes,
“Samudra Shakti represents more than tactical coordination — it’s symbolic of India and Indonesia’s shared role as maritime stabilizers in the Indian Ocean region. The interoperability achieved through such exercises directly contributes to regional deterrence and cooperative security frameworks.”
This sentiment is echoed by Indonesian defense commentators, who view the engagement as a strategic move that strengthens ASEAN-India maritime collaboration while balancing regional dynamics amid great-power competition.
The Broader Impact: Peace Through Partnership
Beyond the drills, Samudra Shakti underscores the soft power of naval diplomacy — a tool that fosters mutual respect, understanding, and trust. For India, it aligns with its “SAGAR” vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region), while for Indonesia, it reinforces its “Global Maritime Fulcrum” initiative aimed at transforming the nation into a central maritime hub.
Together, these philosophies converge to promote regional stability and sustainable maritime cooperation.
Looking Ahead: Navigating a Shared Future
As Samudra Shakti-2025 concludes on October 17, both nations are expected to outline further joint initiatives — potentially expanding the scope of future exercises to include new technologies such as unmanned systems, AI-driven maritime surveillance, and cyber defense collaborations.
With an evolving maritime landscape and increasing dependence on sea-based trade routes, India and Indonesia’s partnership is poised to become a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific security architecture — a beacon of cooperative defense in turbulent waters.
Conclusion
The Indo-Indonesian naval exercise in Visakhapatnam is more than a display of military might — it’s a reflection of two nations steering together toward a secure, rules-based maritime future. As geopolitical currents shift across the Indo-Pacific, partnerships like Samudra Shakti illuminate the path forward — one defined by collaboration, preparedness, and shared responsibility for peace.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and journalistic purposes only. The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.