INDIA-UK NAVAL COOPERATION: PASSAGE EXERCISE IN NORTH ARABIAN SEA

INDIA-UK NAVAL COOPERATION: PASSAGE EXERCISE IN NORTH ARABIAN SEA

Context:

• On June 9-10, 2025, the Indian Navy and the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy conducted a passage exercise (PASSEX) in the North Arabian Sea.
• This joint drill shows the deepening defense cooperation and shared commitment to maritime security between the two nations.

OVERVIEW OF OF PASSAGE EXERCISE

• What is PASSEX?
  • It Refers to joint naval drills conducted between friendly navies.
  • It Occurs when naval units cross each other during deployments.
  • Purpose: Primarily to enhance interoperability, communication, and strategic cooperation at sea without necessitating full-scale, complex maneuvers.

• Location:
  • Host Location: North Arabian Sea.
    • Geostrategic Importance: This region is vital for global maritime trade and security, lying on key shipping lanes.
• Participating Naval Assets:
  • Indian Navy:
    • INS Tabar: A stealth frigate.
    • A conventional submarine.
    • P-8I maritime patrol aircraft: Long-range surveillance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
  • United Kingdom Royal Navy (UK Carrier Strike Group):
    • HMS Prince of Wales: An aircraft carrier (flagship of the Carrier Strike Group).
    • HMS Richmond: A frigate.

OBJECTIVES OF THE EXERCISE

• Strengthen Interoperability: Enhance the ability of Indian and Royal Navies to operate together seamlessly.
• Enhance Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Coordination: Improve joint capabilities in detecting, tracking, and neutralizing submarines.
• Tactical Manoeuvres & Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Conduct coordinated fleet movements and improve shared understanding of the maritime environment.
• Professional Exchange: Facilitate sharing of expertise and best practices between officers and personnel.
• Demonstrate Commitment: Showcase mutual dedication to Indo-Pacific maritime security and a stable maritime environment.

STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE FOR INDIA

This joint exercise holds significant strategic importance for India’s foreign and defense policy:

• Strengthens India’s Defence Diplomacy in Indo-Pacific:
  • Showcases India’s expanding naval reach and capabilities.
  • Highlights India’s strategic alignment with key partners like the U.K., promoting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

• Advances India-UK 2030 Roadmap Goals:
  • Directly contributes to the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” framework agreed upon in the India-U.K. 2030 Roadmap.
  • Deepens defense cooperation, which is a key pillar of this roadmap.
• Supports SAGAR Vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region):
  • Promotes India’s overarching vision for inclusive maritime security.
  • Emphasizes collaborative regional engagement to address common maritime challenges (e.g., piracy, terrorism, disaster relief).
• Enhances Maritime Security:
  • Collaboration with advanced navies like the Royal Navy helps India bolster its capabilities and readiness to maintain a secure and stable maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
• Capability Enhancement:
  • Provides invaluable experience and learning opportunities for the Indian Navy from the operational doctrines and technological advancements of the Royal Navy, particularly with a Carrier Strike Group.

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