NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Indian and Greek navies have completed their first-ever bilateral maritime exercise in the Mediterranean Sea. The harbour phase included professional exchanges and cultural events aboard both navies' vessels. During the sea phase, they conducted night VBSS operations, coordinated gunfire, and cross-deck helicopter drills. This milestone exercise significantly enhanced operational synergy between the two naval forces.

Key Points: India Greece Navies Conclude Maiden Bilateral Maritime Exercise

  • Maiden India-Greece naval exercise concluded in Mediterranean Sea
  • Harbour phase included cross-deck visits and cultural exchanges
  • Sea phase featured night VBSS and joint ASW operations
  • Enhanced interoperability between Indian and Hellenic navies
2 min read

India-Greece bilateral maritime exercise marks milestone in defence cooperation

Indian and Hellenic navies complete first-ever joint maritime exercise in Mediterranean, enhancing interoperability through VBSS, ASW operations and cross-deck helicopter drills.

"The exercise offered a valuable opportunity for sharing best practices, developing interoperability, and enhancing professional rapport - Indian Navy"

Athens, September 20

The Indian and Hellenic navies concluded their bilateral maritime exercise on Thursday, marking a milestone in the defence cooperation between the two nations as they shared best practices and enhanced professional rapport between them, the Indian Navy shared on Saturday.

As per the Indian Navy, the harbour phase of the maritime exercise included cross-deck visits, professional exchanges, a pre-sail conference onboard Hellenic Navy's HS Themistokles, and a cultural event onboard INS Trikand. The sea phase featured night VBSS, replenishment at sea, joint ASW operations, coordinated gunfire, and cross-deck helicopter operations, enhancing interoperability and operational synergy.

In a post on X on Saturday, the Indian Navy shared, "#IndianNavy - #HellenicNavy Maiden bilateral maritime exercise concluded on #18Sep 25 in the Mediterranean Sea, marking a milestone in India-Greece defence cooperation. Harbour phase (13-17 Sep) included cross-deck visits, professional exchanges, a pre-sail conference onboard #HellenicNavy's HS Themistokles, and a cultural event onboard #INSTrikand hosting H.E Amb Rudrendra Tandon @EmbIndiaAthens and the senior @NavyGR leadership. Ship's crew also visited the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis. The sea phase (17-18 Sep) featured night VBSS, replenishment at sea, joint ASW, coordinated gunfire and cross-deck helicopter operations, enhancing #Interoperability and operational synergy. The exercise offered a valuable opportunity for sharing best practices, developing interoperability, and enhancing professional rapport between the two navies. On completion of the exercise, #INSTrikand departed for the next phase of her deployment in the region."

https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1969345734035325297

In a post on X on September 14, the Indian Navy shared, "#INSTrikand called at Salamis Bay, #Greece on #13Sep 25 during her ongoing deployment to the Mediterranean Sea. The ship will participate in the maiden bilateral maritime exercise between the #IndianNavy and the #HellenicNavy. Harbour Phase - planning discussions, interactions with senior military officials, cross deck visits and cultural exchanges to promote people-to-people connect."

https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1967185829811609940

Previously, INS Trikand had arrived at Alexandria, Egypt, during its operational deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, where it will participate in Exercise Bright Star 2025, hosted by Egypt from September 1 to 10, the Ministry of Defence said in a press statement.

The Ministry further mentioned that these exercises aim to exchange "best practices" that would help nations against traditional and non-traditional maritime threats.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Our sailors visiting the Acropolis! ❤️ So proud of our navy not just for military exercises but also for cultural diplomacy. These interactions build lasting relationships beyond just government levels.
R
Rohit P
Excellent move! Greece has strategic importance in Mediterranean shipping lanes. With China increasing presence, such partnerships help secure our trade routes. More such exercises needed with European navies.
S
Sarah B
While this is positive, I hope such exercises translate into tangible benefits for our maritime security. Sometimes these feel more symbolic than substantive. Still, good to see India building global naval partnerships.
A
Aditya G
Night VBSS and joint ASW operations? That's some serious training! Our navy is gaining valuable experience in diverse conditions. This will definitely enhance our capabilities in the Indian Ocean region too.
N
Nikhil C
Greece and India share ancient civilizational links. Good to see this historical connection evolving into modern strategic partnership. Hope this leads to more defense technology sharing and joint development projects.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50