Overview

• India’s Shivalik-class frigate concluded a three-day stop in Kemaman from October 2–5 as part of the Eastern Fleet’s ongoing deployment to the South China Sea and the wider Indo-Pacific.
• The ship’s commanding officer paid courtesy calls on senior Royal Malaysian Navy leaders, including First Admiral Abd Halim bin Kamarudin at Kuantan Naval Base.
• Indian and Malaysian sailors conducted cross-deck visits, subject‑matter exchanges, cross‑training and sport fixtures to strengthen practical cooperation.
• The crew held community activities in Kemaman, including a friendly football match, a yoga session and a charity event.
• This marked the frigate’s third engagement in Malaysia, following visits in 2016 and 2019, and comes after media reports of recent Eastern Fleet submarine‑rescue milestones during Exercise Pacific Reach‑2025.