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Key Points

The Indian Navy hosted Spanish and Italian naval ships for joint exercises in Mumbai, symbolizing enhanced maritime cooperation between India and the European Union. This collaboration follows strategic dialogues between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen, underscoring their commitment to international peace. The exercises aim to improve interoperability and prepare for combating non-traditional threats in the Indian Ocean. Both sides reaffirm their dedication to a rules-based maritime order, focusing on seamless cooperation and mutual interests.

Key Points: Spanish and Italian Navies Join Indian Navy for Mumbai Exercises

  • Spanish and Italian Navies join Indian Navy for exercises in Mumbai
  • Collaboration follows discussions between Modi and von der Leyen
  • Focus on non-traditional threats in the Indian Ocean
3 min read

Spanish and Italian Navy ships engage in tactical exercises with Indian Navy in Mumbai

Indian Navy hosts Spanish and Italian Navies in Mumbai to enhance tactical cooperation and maritime security.

"The shared interest of safeguarding legitimate trade and combatting threats reflects our joint commitment. - Rear Admiral Vidyadhar Harke"

New Delhi, June 1

ESPS Reina Sofia, commanded by Cdr Salvador Moreno Regil, Spanish Navy and ITS Antonio Marceglia, commanded by Cdr Alberto Bartolomeo, Italian Navy, are in Mumbai from 26 May to 1 June 2025 for an operational turnaround.

Both ships currently operate under the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR). It is the first such visit to India conducted under the aegis of the European Union.

It is a follow-up to the discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union, highlighting their shared commitment towards international peace and security.

The EUNAVFOR side, led by Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, Force Commander, Op Atalanta, interacted with Rear Admiral Vidyadhar Harke VSM, Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy at the Headquarters, Western Naval Command and discussed matters related to furthering maritime cooperation between the two sides.

Both sides agreed on the need for extended cooperation in the military domain, and the meeting was a stepping stone for expanding avenues of cooperation between the Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR.

During the ships' stay in harbour, activities such as Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) and a Table Top Exercise (TTX) were conducted between the two sides, aimed at refining key issues necessary for tactical-level cooperation at sea.

Both sides benefitted immensely from the exchanges on experiences gained during Anti-Piracy and Anti-Smuggling operations. The harbour engagements laid the foundation for the Joint Exercise between the Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR which is planned post-departure of the ships from Mumbai on 1 June.

The exercise at sea will see participation by ESPS Reina Sofia and ITS Antonio Marceglia from EUNAVFOR and ships and aircraft from the Indian Navy. The complex tactical exercises are aimed at enhancing the interoperability between the two sides and will enable seamless operations when deployed for combating non-traditional threats in the Indian Ocean Region.

Both India and the EU share a strong commitment towards a rules-based maritime order, allowing for free and open use of international waters while respecting the territorial integrity of littoral states.

The current visit embodies the shared interest of safeguarding legitimate trade and countering non-traditional threats such as piracy, smuggling, and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which also reflects the discussions undertaken during the 4th India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue, held in New Delhi in March 2025.

These maritime engagements would further strengthen the increasing multi-domain cooperation between India and EU, with a common aim of progressing shared interests.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Rahul P.
Great to see India strengthening naval ties with European powers! 🇮🇳🇪🇺 The Indian Ocean is our backyard and such collaborations will help secure our trade routes. Hope this leads to more technology transfers too - our navy deserves the best equipment.
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the military cooperation, I hope our government remembers that our immediate neighbors need attention too. China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean is the real challenge we should focus on.
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Arjun K.
Jai Hind! Our Navy is making India proud with such high-level engagements. The anti-piracy knowledge exchange is especially valuable - we've dealt with Somali pirates for years. Sharing this expertise shows India's growing global stature.
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Sunita R.
Interesting development! But I wonder - will this cooperation extend to helping monitor our maritime borders with Pakistan? The drug smuggling and illegal fishing issues there need urgent attention.
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Vikram S.
Good move strategically, but let's not forget that Europe has its own interests. We must ensure these partnerships benefit India's security needs first. The focus on non-traditional threats is smart - keeps the cooperation broad-based.
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Neha T.
As a Mumbaikar, it's exciting to see such important naval activities happening in our city! 🚢 Hope they also conduct some public outreach - would love to learn more about these ships and their capabilities.

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