Indian Ocean security gets a boost as EU warships join Indian Navy in high-stakes war games

In a major step towards enhancing maritime security cooperation, two warships from the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) — ESPS Reina Sofia (Spanish Navy) and ITS Antonio Marceglia (Italian Navy) — arrived in Mumbai for the first-ever EU naval visit to India. The ships were docked in Mumbai from May 26 to June 1 for an operational turnaround.

 

The visit follows high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

 

Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, Force Commander of Operation Atalanta, led the EU side in discussions with Rear Admiral Vidyadhar Harke VSM, Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Western Naval Command. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in the military domain, with an emphasis on maritime operations.

 

During the harbour phase, Indian and EU naval personnel engaged in Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and a Table Top Exercise, focusing on anti-piracy, anti-smuggling, and other non-traditional security threats. These interactions set the stage for joint naval exercises in the Arabian Sea after the ships' departure on June 1 (Sunday).

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The sea drills will involve Indian Navy ships and aircraft along with the visiting EU warships and is aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational coordination in the Indian Ocean Region, especially in dealing with issues like piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing.

 

This historic visit reflects the outcomes of the 4th India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue, held in New Delhi in March 2025, and marks a growing multi-domain partnership between India and the European Union.

 

Both sides reaffirmed their support for a rules-based maritime order, ensuring free and open seas while respecting the sovereignty of coastal states.

Defence