EU and India to carry out joint naval exercise in Indian Ocean to reinforce maritime security cooperation

On 1-3 June, the European Union (EU) and India will conduct a joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean. The joint exercise will focus on advanced counter-piracy operations, interoperability, tactical manoeuvres, and enhanced communication protocols, reflecting the growing maritime security cooperation between the two sides. The respective Maritime Operations Centres (MOC) will control the exercise. The exercise will involve Indian Navy ships and two frigates of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA, Italian ship Antonio MARCEGLIA and Spanish ship REINA SOFIA, along with their respective air assets. The EU and India are increasing cooperation on maritime security. The EU and India share a strong commitment to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region. This is underpinned by the respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, democracy, rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce, and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, notably the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Background This exercise builds on the visit of the College of Commissioners to India in February 2025. One of the key deliverables was to enhance engagement on maritime domain awareness with a view to promote shared assessment, coordination and interoperability. The fourth EU-India Maritime Security Dialogue held in March 2025 also emphasised countering illicit...