Mumbai: Two warships from the European Union Naval Force, ESPS Reina Sofia (Spain) and ITS Antonio Marceglia (Italy), docked in Mumbai, marking the inaugural visit of EU naval vessels to the nation from May 26 to June 1, 2025.
This achievement highlights the enhanced maritime collaboration between India and the EU, after talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The visit highlights a shared dedication to improving international peace and security in the Indian Ocean area, prioritising the preservation of a rules-based maritime order.
The maritime visit seeks to enhance defense cooperation, specifically tackling non-traditional maritime security issues such as piracy, smuggling, and unlawful fishing. A combined naval drill featuring warships and aircraft from both parties is planned for June 1.
Discussions between representatives of the Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR aimed at improving collaboration to address maritime threats. The crew of the ships engaged in top-level talks with Rear Admiral Vidyadhar Harke from the Indian Navy and Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo of EUNAVFOR, focusing on enhancing maritime defense collaboration, tactical coordination, and maintaining continuous cooperation in upcoming joint missions. This visit marks an important advancement in the maritime relations between India and the EU.
While in Mumbai, the navies exchanged experiences and carried out a Table Top Exercise (TTX) to improve collaborative operations at sea. Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) facilitated knowledge sharing between both parties on anti-piracy and anti-smuggling initiatives, honing tactics and enhancing operational preparedness. A combined naval drill is planned for June 1, 2025, featuring ESPS Reina Sofia, ITS Antonio Marceglia, along with ships and aircraft from the Indian Navy. This exercise aims to improve collaboration in addressing maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean area.
The European Union (EU) lacks a standing navy but functions as a multi-national fleet via EUNAVFOR, which includes the navies of its member states. The visit demonstrates India's and the EU's dedication to international maritime security, collaboratively tackling piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling to safeguard crucial sea routes.
The visit represents a crucial step in enhancing maritime ties between India and the EU, stemming from the 4th India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue conducted in March 2025, underscoring their commitment to peace and stability on the oceans. EUNAVFOR’s missions are directed by the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), concentrating on enhancing maritime security in open seas.
This trip establishes a foundation for improved Indo-EU maritime collaboration, preparing for future joint initiatives in multilateral maritime security and strengthening the partnership in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
