India-US navies to carry out ordnance disposal exercise to commence in Kochi
New Delhi, August 9
The navies of India and United States are set to carrry out the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise 2026 at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from August 10 to 14, the Indian Navy said in a statement on Sunday.
According to the Indian Navy, the bilateral exercise aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen professional cooperation between the specialist diving and EOD teams of the two navies.
The five-day exercise will comprise Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-training, equipment demonstrations and scenario-based practical exercises.
Notably, the programme will facilitate the exchange of contemporary EOD methodologies, emerging technologies and best practices, while providing both sides an opportunity to gain insights into each other's capabilities, operational concepts and employment philosophies.
The Indian Navy further highlighted that the exercise is designed to promote collaborative learning and operational synergy, enabling personnel from both navies to refine procedures, enhance mutual understanding and strengthen their ability to respond effectively to complex and evolving EOD challenges.
The Indian Navy and US Navy have been conducting joint Salvage and EOD exercises since 2005.
The Indian Navy said that the forthcoming engagement marks the eighth edition of this specialised bilateral training exercise and underscores the enduring commitment of the two navies towards enhancing interoperability, sharing operational expertise and strengthening cooperation in specialised maritime operations.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an American, I'm proud to see our navies working together in Kochi. This partnership matters more than ever for maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. The exchange of EOD techniques is crucial for keeping sea lanes safe.
Interesting development! Since 2005 we've been doing these exercises, that's almost two decades of trust-building. I just hope the technology transfer actually benefits our Indian Navy in a meaningful way, not just symbolic cooperation. Also, kudos to Kochi for hosting this!
Solid collaboration between two of the world's largest democracies. EOD training is highly technical and this level of interoperability will pay dividends in real-world operations. The Indian Navy has been a professional and capable partner for years.
Military diplomacy at its best! While people debate about China's expansionism, we're quietly building strategic partnerships that actually matter. These exercises ensure our divers and EOD teams are world-class. Proud of the Indian Navy's professionalism! 👍
The article mentions this is the 8th edition since 2005. It's good to see continuity in such specialized training. The safety of our sailors and coastal waters is paramount. Hope the local population in Kochi also gets some awareness sessions about EOD safety, considering they live in a coastal area.
J James A