In a significant display of India's growing naval capabilities and regional cooperation, two of the Indian Navy's most advanced warships recently participated in Sri Lanka's prestigious International Fleet Review 2025. The event marked a crucial moment for maritime diplomacy in the Indian Ocean Region.
India's Naval Power on Display
The Indian contingent featured two remarkable vessels that represent the nation's shipbuilding prowess. INS Vikrant, India's first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier, led the delegation with its impressive presence. Accompanying the carrier was INS Udaygiri, the third stealth frigate of the Project 17A class, which was commissioned just last year in 2024.
The International Fleet Review, held in Sri Lankan waters, brought together naval forces from multiple nations to demonstrate interoperability and strengthen maritime partnerships. India's participation with such advanced platforms underscores the country's commitment to regional security and cooperation.
Strategic Importance of the Deployment
The deployment of INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri carries significant strategic weight. As the largest warship ever built in India, INS Vikrant represents a monumental achievement in indigenous defense manufacturing. Its participation in international events demonstrates India's capability to design, build, and operate world-class naval assets.
INS Udaygiri, named after the mountain range in India, continues the legacy of its predecessor while incorporating advanced stealth features and cutting-edge weapons and sensors. The frigate's presence alongside the aircraft carrier creates a powerful statement about India's blue-water naval capabilities.
The timing of this participation is particularly noteworthy as it comes amid increasing focus on maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. The fleet review provides an excellent platform for the Indian Navy to showcase its growing capabilities while strengthening ties with neighboring navies.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The participation of Indian warships in Sri Lanka's International Fleet Review 2025 serves multiple diplomatic purposes. It reinforces the strong maritime ties between India and Sri Lanka, two neighbors with deep historical and cultural connections. Such interactions help build trust and understanding between the naval forces of both nations.
Beyond bilateral relations, the event allows the Indian Navy to interact with other international naval delegations, promoting interoperability and shared understanding of maritime challenges. This is particularly important for addressing common concerns such as piracy, smuggling, and maintaining freedom of navigation in international waters.
The successful deployment also demonstrates India's commitment to the security and stability of the Indian Ocean Region. By participating in such multinational events, the Indian Navy positions itself as a reliable security partner and a stabilizing force in the region.
As both INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri return from their successful diplomatic mission, they carry with them the strengthened relationships and enhanced cooperation that will benefit regional security for years to come. This participation marks another milestone in India's journey toward becoming a leading maritime power with global reach and regional responsibility.
