The European Union and India have teamed up for a major naval exercise in the Indian Ocean. This exercise was undertaken to boost maritime security cooperation between the two forces.

The exercise involved forces from the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA and the Indian Navy. It focused on improving interoperability and advancing counter-piracy tactics.

Simulated pirate attack

To test cooperation between ATALANTA and India, the exercise in early June 2025 simulated a scenario of a piracy attack on a merchant vessel.

The goal was to improve interoperability between Indian and European navies and advance counter-piracy tactics. EU and Indian naval ships and air assets (such as maritime patrol aircraft and a helicopter) cooperated on monitoring the situation, gathering intelligence, and planning hostages rescue..

Ships involved included the Italian ship Antonio MARCEGLIA, Spanish frigate REINA SOFIA and Indian frigate TRIKAND supported by the respective air assets. An Indian Maritime Patrol aircraft joined the event as well.

The exercise and port call were planned by ATALANTA Operation Headquarters based in Rota, Spain, together with the Indian Navy.

European Union

‘Huge milestone’

‘The whole exercise represented a huge milestone,’ said ATALANTA Force Commander, RDML Davide Da Pozzo. ‘It was the first time that ATALANTA and India conducted such complex exercises at sea. This represents an encouraging step in the growing cooperation between ATALANTA and the Indian Navy, for the sake of maritime security.’

While visiting the European ships ahead of the exercise, the EU Ambassador to India, H.E. Hervé Delphin, emphasised the value of such activities. ‘The strategic importance of the Indian Ocean is as crucial for the EU as it is for India,’ he said. ‘There is a strong interest and momentum on both EU and India sides to deepen our cooperation from political to operational cooperation levels.’ The boosting of EU-Indian cooperation is necessary ‘for a secure, free and open Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific.’

Growing EU-India maritime cooperation

The Indian Ocean is a vital maritime corridor for global trade and security. It is essential to secure an open maritime environment there. The EU and India share a commitment to tackle various threats in the region, including piracy, arms smuggling and illegal fishing.

The naval exercise is a key step in the growing cooperation between the EU and India. It followed the first ever port call of EUNAVFOR ATALANTA ships in India, carried out in Mumbai on 26-31 May 2025. Port calls, or naval visits to foreign ports, are a significant aspect of defence cooperation, fostering interoperability between partners.

The EU and India held a fourth Maritime Security Dialogue in March. They have also previously conducted “passing exercises” (PASSEX) when naval assets are in the same area to ensure that navies are able to communicate and cooperate in times of crisis at sea.

Over recent years, EU-India naval cooperation has expanded beyond the Indian Ocean. Joint exercises have taken place in the Gulf of Guinea and Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy also supports escort missions for World Food Programme vessels coordinated by EUNAVFOR ATALANTA.

Conclusion

The EU and India's joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean marks a significant step in maritime security cooperation. By working together, both regions aim to ensure a secure, free, and open Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific. This exercise highlights their shared commitment to a rules-based maritime order and sets the stage for future collaborations.