Indian Naval Ship Trikand, a mission deployed for Anti-Piracy Operations, participates in the Indian Navy- European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Aden, which commenced on Friday (18 June).

A total of five warships from four navies are participating in the exercise on 18 and 19 June. Other warships include Italian navy ship ITS Carabinere, Spanish navy ship ESPS Navarra, and two French navy ships FS Tonnerre and FS Surcouf.

The two-day exercise will see high tempo-naval operations at sea, including advanced air defence and anti-submarine exercises, cross deck helicopter operations, tactical manoeuvres, boarding operations, underway replenishment, Search and Rescue, Man Overboard drills, and other maritime security operations.

“Ships of the four navies will endeavour to enhance and hone their war-fighting skills and their ability as an integrated force to promote peace, security and stability in the maritime domain,” the Ministry of Defence said.

Concurrently, a virtual “Information sharing Exercise” is also being conducted between the Indian Navy Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region and Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa on 18 June.

EUNAVFOR and the Indian Navy converge on multiple issues, including counter-piracy operations and protection of vessels deployed under the charter of the World Food Programme (UN WFP).

Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR also have regular interaction through SHADE (Shared Awareness and Deconfliction) meetings held annually in Bahrain.

This engagement showcases increased levels of synergy, coordination and interoperability between the Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR. It also underscores the shared values as partner navies in ensuring freedom of seas and commitment to an open, inclusive and rules-based international order.