Act East policy: INS Sahyadri visits Japan

NEW DELHI: In pursuance of India's Act East policy, Indian Navy Ship Sahyadri, currently on operational deployment to North West Pacific region and South China Sea, today entered Sagami Bay, Japan.

The ship will participate in the International Fleet Review organised by the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF). It will also undertake professional interactions in harbour as well as exercises at sea with the JMSDF.

The JMSDF is also likely to participate in the International Fleet Review 2016, scheduled to be held in February, off the East Coast of India.

The visit of INS Sahyadri is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing inter-operability between navies of the two countries.

Indian naval ships had last visited Sasebo, Japan in July 2014.

INS Sahyadri is an indigenously built warship of the Shivalik Class. Inducted into the Indian Navy on July 2012, the multi-role stealth frigate, boasts of an impressive array of weaponry in her arsenal.

Long range anti-ship missiles, medium and short range surface to air missiles augmented by powerful guns of different calibres provide a formidable shield against all types of surface and air threats.

The capability to carry two integral multi-role helicopters significantly enhances the potency of this ship.