This cooperation was most visibly demonstrated in February 2026 when the SA Navy frigate SAS Amatola deployed to Visakhapatnam in India to participate in Exercise MILAN 2026 and the International Fleet Review 2026 hosted by the Indian Navy.

The deployment formed part of a broader programme of multinational maritime engagement that brought together naval forces from across the Indian Ocean and Indo Pacific regions.

During the visit to India, Chief of the SA Navy Vice Admiral Monde Lobese participated in the Conclave of Chiefs of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), convened alongside Exercise MILAN.

The conclave brought together Chiefs of Navy and senior naval leaders from Indian Ocean littoral states to deliberate on shared maritime challenges including maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, search and rescue cooperation and maritime domain awareness.

SA Navy Public Relations Officer Theo Mabina said Lobese’s engagement with his counterparts reinforced South Africa’s commitment to structured naval diplomacy and sustained professional dialogue within the Indian Ocean region.

“Such forums provide an important mechanism through which naval leaders align strategic perspectives, strengthen professional networks and advance cooperative maritime initiatives.

“My presence also underscored the importance the SA Navy attaches to naval diplomacy as a practical instrument for building trust, confidence and stability at sea,” he said.

Beyond multinational exercises and port visits, the SA Navy Indian Navy relationship is also expanding through specialised professional training.

According to Mabina, SA Navy submariners and technical personnel have attended advanced courses at Indian naval training establishments, particularly those associated with submarine operations and underwater safety.

“These training exchanges contribute directly to operational readiness and enhance the professional development of SA Navy personnel,” Mabina explained.

“They also demonstrate the practical dimension of the bilateral relationship, extending cooperation beyond ceremonial engagement towards tangible capability development.”

The evolving relationship between the South African Navy and the Indian Navy reflects a shared commitment to strengthening maritime security, promoting stability in the Indian Ocean region and advancing professional naval cooperation between the two nations.

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