In early May, the European Union and India will hold joint naval maneuvers in the waters of the Indian Ocean, the European External Action Service announced.
The exercises will involve ships from the Indian Navy, as well as two European frigates — the Italian Antonio Marceglia and the Spanish Reina Sofia, both part of the EU’s ATALANTA operation.
The main objectives of the maneuvers are to practice joint anti-piracy operations, enhance interoperability and communication among participants, reflecting strengthened cooperation in maritime security. The official statement emphasized that the EU and India support a free, open, and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region.
Similar joint exercises have previously taken place in the Gulf of Guinea and the Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy is also involved in escorting vessels under the World Food Programme as part of Operation ATALANTA, which was established in 2008 to combat piracy and arms smuggling.
