New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS): India and Malaysia are conducting a joint naval military exercise to test inter-operability of their navies in South East Asia and Western Pacific regions.

Two warships, INS Sahyadri and INS Kiltan, have been despatched by the Indian Navy to Malaysia for the bilateral exercise. The sea phase of the exercise, which is named 'Samudra Laksamana', is at present underway off the Malaysian port of Kota Kinabalu, a defence official said on Saturday.

The exercise had commenced on September 12. In the harbour phase of the exercise there were professional interactions between naval crew of the two countries. Official calls, social engagements, visits by the local populace and various sports events were also part of the harbour phase.

As per officials, INS Sahyadri and INS Kiltan are under command of Rear Admiral Suraj Berry, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, based at Visakhapatnam.

"The two ships represent the coming of age of India's warship-building capabilities," said an official.

The warships are equipped with a versatile array of weapons and sensors and have the capability to carry multi-role helicopters. The three-day exercise will end on Sunday.