In a notable naval development amid rising global tensions, two Russian warships – Sovershenny and Rezky from the Pacific Fleet have docked at Visakhapatnam. The vessels, based out of Vladivostok, arrived on March 14 as part of a long-range Asia-Pacific deployment that began in February.
The visit has been described as a “business call”, a standard naval engagement that combines logistics, diplomacy and operational outreach. The ships were received by Indian Navy officials and representatives from the Russian Embassy, signalling the importance both sides attach to sustained naval cooperation.
What are Russian warships doing in India?
While not a joint military exercise, the port call serves multiple strategic and operational purposes including refuelling and restocking supplies during long deployments, providing rest after extended sea missions, strengthening ties through cultural and sporting exchanges with Indian Navy personnel.
Additionally, the port call also provided operational familiarity, enhancing coordination and mutual understanding between the two navies. Such visits are a key part of peacetime naval engagement, helping maintain interoperability and trust between long-standing defence partners.
Enduring India-Russia naval ties
The visit comes against the backdrop of six decades of India-Russia defence cooperation, which continues to evolve despite shifting global geopolitics.
During a summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to co-development and co-production of defence technologies, strengthening ‘Make in India’ initiatives in defence manufacturing, expanding collaboration across naval and maritime domains.
Russia has historically been a key supplier of naval platforms and technology to India, including submarines and frigates.
India has also recently hosted an Iranian warship, IRIS Lavan, at Kochi, further reflecting its nuanced diplomatic and naval positioning.
India simultaneously engages US in high-end naval drills
Interestingly, the Russian naval presence in Visakhapatnam coincides with the Indian Navy’s participation in the US-led Exercise Sea Dragon 2026 in Guam.
The exercise involves United States, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The drill includes over 200 hours of flight training, focusing on submarine detection and coordinated maritime operations.