The European Union and India have joined forces in a significant naval exercise to enhance maritime security cooperation.
The joint operation, with ships from the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA and Indian Navy, was organized earlier this week to improve interoperability and advance counter-piracy tactics. It allowed to practice tactical manoeuvres and communication protocols, which are crucial when facing various threats in the Horn of Africa and western Indian Ocean. The exercise and port call were planned by ATALANTA Operation Headquarters based in Rota, Spain.
The exercise took place in the Indian Ocean - a vital maritime corridor for global trade and security. Deterring and tackling traditional and emerging threats, such as counter-narcotics, arms smuggling, or illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, are key priorities both for the EU and India.
EU Ambassador to India, H.E. Hervé Delphin, while visiting the European ships ahead of the exercise, emphasized the significance of such exercises: “The strategic importance of the Indian Ocean is as crucial for the EU as it is for India. There is a strong interest and momentum on both EU and India sides to deepen our cooperation from political to operational cooperation levels. Joint naval exercises, port calls, enhanced maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific and protection of vital sea-lanes of communication are concrete manifestations of this cooperation at work, for a secure, free and open Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific.”
India and the EU share strategic interests rooted in respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, democracy, the rule of law, and the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Both the EU and India advocate freedom of navigation, peaceful dispute resolution, and unimpeded lawful commerce in the Indo-Pacific. This shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region has enabled a successful exercise.
The exercise involved Indian Navy frigate TRIKAND and one auxiliary ship, alongside two frigates from the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, namely the Italian ship ANTONIO MARCEGLIA and the Spanish ship REINA SOFIA. Their respective air assets also supported the ships, which enhances surveillance and ability to respond rapidly to a changing situation in sea. An Indian Maritime Patrol aircraft joined the event as well.
The main objective of the exercise was to simulate a scenario where a merchant vessel suffered a piracy attack and test how ATALANTA and India could cooperate.
Among all the activities that were carried out at sea it is worth mentioning the coordination between the Spanish frigate REINA SOFIA and the Indian MPA airplane, which was used to monitor the situation in the merchant vessel. At the same time, the Indian frigate “Trikand”, first warship to get to the scene, was gathering intelligence on the situation on board the hijacked vessel.
A special operations team on board the Spanish vessel was able to plan an assault with the information given by both Indian assets, in order to free the hostages on board the merchant vessel. Meanwhile, ITS MARCEGLIA launched her helicopter for fire support during the assault. During the entire exercise, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Force Headquarters on board ITS LUIGI RIZZO kept tactical command and coordinated the actions taken by the units at the scene.
Once the boarding exercise finished, the three surface assets carried out different formation exercises, proving the interoperability of both ATALANTA and Indian units.
Increasing EU – India cooperation on maritime issues
This exercise was organized following the visit of the College of Commissioners to India in February 2025, where India and the EU agreed to enhance engagement on maritime issues.
The fourth EU-India Maritime Security Dialogue in March further highlighted the need to counter illicit maritime activities and explore new joint maritime initiatives. Previous “passing exercises” (PASSEX), aimed to ensure that navies are able to communicate and cooperate in times of crises at sea, laid the groundwork between EUNAVFOR ATALANTA warships and the Indian Navy cooperation.
This joint exercise proved to be a big step ahead in joint planning and cooperation, highlighting smooth coordination at sea, clear shared procedures, and shared willingness to enhance common contribution to maritime security.
ATALANTA Force Commander, Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, highlighted how “the whole exercise represented a huge milestone, as it is the first time that ATALANTA and India conducted such complex exercises at sea. This represent an encouraging step in the growing cooperation between ATALANTA and Indian Navy, for the sake of maritime security”.
Over recent years, EU-India naval cooperation has also expanded beyond the Indian Ocean, with joint exercises 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.
European Union Naval Force Operation ATALANTA Commander, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva said, “India is undertaking extraordinary efforts to ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean. Cooperation between ATALANTA and Indian Navy is decisive in achieving this common goal. This joint exercise helps build mutual awareness and coordinate assets – key to strengthening our ties and being prepared to respond effectively to maritime threats”.
