The Spanish Navy ship ESPS Reina Sofia, commanded by Commander Salvador Moreno Regil, and the Italian Navy ship ITS Antonio Marceglia, commanded by Commander Alberto Bartolomeo, are in Mumbai from May 26 to June 1, 2025, for an operational turnaround. Both vessels currently operate under the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR). This marks the first visit to India conducted under the European Union’s aegis, following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting their shared commitment to international peace and security.
Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, Force Commander of Operation Atalanta for EUNAVFOR, met with Rear Admiral Vidyadhar Harke VSM, Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy, at the Western Naval Command Headquarters. They discussed enhancing maritime cooperation, agreeing on the need for extended military collaboration. The meeting set the stage for expanding cooperation avenues between the Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR.
During the ships’ stay in Mumbai harbour, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) and a Table Top Exercise (TTX) were held to refine tactical-level cooperation at sea. Both sides shared experiences from Anti-Piracy and Anti-Smuggling operations, benefiting from these exchanges. These harbour engagements laid the foundation for a joint exercise planned after the ships’ departure from Mumbai on June 1.
The upcoming exercise at sea will involve ESPS Reina Sofia and ITS Antonio Marceglia from EUNAVFOR alongside Indian Navy ships and aircraft. The complex tactical drills aim to enhance interoperability and enable seamless joint operations to combat non-traditional threats in the Indian Ocean Region.
India and the EU share a strong commitment to a rules-based maritime order, supporting free and open use of international waters while respecting territorial integrity. The visit reflects their shared interest in safeguarding legitimate trade and countering piracy, smuggling, and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, echoing discussions from the 4th India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue held in New Delhi in March 2025. These maritime engagements will further strengthen multi-domain cooperation between India and the EU, progressing their shared interests. (ANI)
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