Mumbai | June 1, 2025
For the first time, naval ships from the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) have made a historic visit to India, reflecting a growing commitment between India and the European Union to enhance maritime security and cooperation. Spanish Navy’s ESPS Reina Sofia and Italian Navy’s ITS Antonio Marceglia arrived in Mumbai on May 26, 2025, and stayed until June 1, 2025, for an operational turnaround.
This maiden visit is a direct outcome of high-level talks between India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the European Union, Ms Ursula von der Leyen. The visit symbolizes a shared vision for international peace, maritime security, and a rules-based order at sea.
Strengthening Ties through Naval Cooperation
Both vessels currently serve under Operation Atalanta, the European Union’s anti-piracy and maritime security mission. The visit was led by Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, Force Commander of EUNAVFOR’s Operation Atalanta, who met with Rear Admiral Vidyadhar Harke, Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy, at the Navy Headquarters in Mumbai.
The two senior officers discussed ways to deepen cooperation in naval operations and ensure a stronger maritime partnership. Both sides agreed on the importance of closer collaboration in military and maritime domains, marking this meeting as a stepping stone for more extensive future engagement.
Tabletop Exercise and Knowledge Exchange
While the ships were docked in Mumbai, the Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR personnel conducted a Table Top Exercise (TTX) — a strategic simulation aimed at tackling scenarios such as piracy and smuggling operations. Alongside this, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) took place, allowing both sides to share insights and best practices on tactical operations and coordination at sea.
These harbour activities helped both navies understand each other’s operating procedures and gain valuable knowledge from past anti-piracy missions and maritime enforcement efforts.
Planned Joint Exercise at Sea
The highlight of the visit is a planned joint naval exercise at sea, scheduled for after the departure of the European ships from Mumbai on June 1. This exercise will feature Spanish and Italian ships alongside Indian Navy vessels and aircraft.
The purpose of this drill is to strengthen interoperability — the ability of different navies to operate together smoothly in joint missions. The exercise will include complex tactical maneuvers, surveillance operations, and response drills against non-traditional maritime threats such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing.
This cooperation is particularly significant in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which is vital for global trade and often faces non-state maritime threats.
Shared Commitment to Maritime Security
India and the European Union both advocate for a rules-based maritime order, ensuring that international waters remain open for navigation and commerce while respecting the sovereignty of coastal nations.
This naval engagement also reflects the outcomes of the 4th India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue, held in New Delhi in March 2025, where both sides agreed to intensify collaboration in maritime security, law enforcement, and combating threats such as Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, piracy, and smuggling.
The visit and exercises represent a move toward more robust multi-domain cooperation, linking naval, diplomatic, and strategic efforts for mutual benefit.