Maritime Cooperation – Indian Navy Eastern Fleet Reaches Singapore
Maritime Cooperation – India’s maritime outreach in Southeast Asia received fresh momentum on Wednesday as three Indian Navy ships from the Eastern Fleet arrived at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base during an operational deployment in the region.
Eastern Fleet Ships Arrive at Changi Naval Base
INS Udaygiri, INS Shakti and INS Kavaratti entered Singapore under the leadership of Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. The deployment is part of the Indian Navy’s continuing engagement with partner nations across Southeast Asia.
The Indian High Commission in Singapore said the port call underlined New Delhi’s focus on developing stronger maritime relationships in the region. The visit comes as India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations mark 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.
Focus on Regional Maritime Partnerships
According to the High Commission, the visit reflects India’s Act East Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, both of which place emphasis on cooperation, security and shared development across maritime spaces.
The Indian Navy’s presence in Singapore is expected to support professional exchanges and reinforce links with regional naval forces. Such deployments are also seen as an opportunity to improve coordination on issues including maritime safety, security and stability in busy sea routes.
Singapore remains an important maritime partner for India because of its strategic location and role in regional shipping and naval engagement. Changi Naval Base regularly hosts vessels from friendly countries participating in regional cooperation activities.
PASSEX Exercise Conducted With Royal Thai Navy
Before reaching Singapore, the three Indian ships took part in a Passage Exercise, or PASSEX, with HTMS Chao Phraya of the Royal Thai Navy. The exercise was held after the Indian naval vessels completed their visit to Sattahip in Thailand.
A PASSEX is an informal naval exercise conducted when ships from friendly countries operate in the same maritime area. These drills generally allow naval crews to practise communication, manoeuvring and coordination at sea.
The Indian Navy said the exercise offered both sides an opportunity to strengthen interoperability. It also reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Thailand towards maritime security and regional stability.
Sattahip Port Call Strengthened India-Thailand Naval Ties
INS Udaygiri, INS Shakti and INS Kavaratti had arrived in Sattahip on June 28 as part of the Eastern Fleet’s operational deployment. Rear Admiral Alok Ananda led the visiting group, which was received by representatives of the Royal Thai Navy.
Officials described the Thailand visit as part of India’s sustained maritime engagement with Southeast Asian countries. The port call also highlighted the longstanding naval relationship between India and Thailand.
India has continued to expand naval engagement through port visits, exercises and coordinated activities with countries in the Indo-Pacific. These initiatives are aimed at building trust among regional partners and supporting a secure maritime environment.
Deployment Supports India’s Act East Engagement
The ongoing deployment of the Eastern Fleet demonstrates India’s effort to maintain active naval cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia. The visits to Thailand and Singapore have combined diplomatic engagement with operational interaction between naval forces.
With the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation being observed in 2026, the latest port call is expected to add further depth to India’s regional maritime partnerships. The Indian Navy’s engagements are likely to continue focusing on interoperability, information sharing and collective efforts to promote peace and stability at sea.