Indian Navy Hosts Fifth Edition of Bilateral Exercise 'Samudra Shakti' – 2025 with Indonesian Navy at Visakhapatnam

The Indian Navy is hosting the fifth edition of the Indo-Indonesian joint bilateral maritime exercise, 'Samudra Shakti – 2025', in Visakhapatnam from 14 to 17 October 2025. This exercise is crucial for enhancing naval cooperation and interoperability, aligning with India's Act East Policy. Last Updated: 2025-10-16

Key Facts About 'Samudra Shakti – 2025'

• Event: Fifth edition of 'Samudra Shakti – 2025'
• Location: Visakhapatnam
• Date: 14 to 17 October 2025
• Objective: Enhance naval cooperation between India and Indonesia
• Initiation: Started in 2018
• Focus: Complex maritime operations
• Key Operations: Military Interdiction, Cross Deck Landings, Air Defence drills
• Participating Units: INS Kavaratti, KRI John Lie

India's Strategic Maritime Engagement

The 'Samudra Shakti' exercise underscores India's strategic maritime engagement with Southeast Asia, reflecting its commitment to the Act East Policy. This initiative is pivotal for maintaining stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region, a key area for global trade and security. India's defense collaboration with Indonesia exemplifies its growing influence and commitment to regional security, enhancing its strategic footprint.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

• Act East Policy: Aims to promote economic cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic relationships with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative: Focuses on enhancing maritime security, trade, and connectivity in the Indo-Pacific region.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 2: International Relations - Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests.
• Prelims Angle: Questions could focus on the objectives, participating countries, and key operations of 'Samudra Shakti'.
• Mains Angle: Analytical themes could include India's maritime strategy, the significance of the Indo-Pacific region, and the Act East Policy.
• Essay Paper: Topics on India's foreign policy and regional security dynamics.

FAQ Section

• What is 'Samudra Shakti'? 'Samudra Shakti' is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian and Indonesian navies, aimed at enhancing naval cooperation and interoperability.
• Why is 'Samudra Shakti' important? It is important for strengthening defense ties between India and Indonesia, promoting regional security, and supporting India's Act East Policy.
• What are the key features of 'Samudra Shakti – 2025'? The exercise includes complex maritime operations such as Military Interdiction, Cross Deck Landings, and Air Defence drills, with participation from INS Kavaratti and KRI John Lie.