India-USN EOD Exercise 2026 Concludes in Kochi

The 8th edition of the India-USN EOD Exercise 2026 was concluded at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, India, on August 14, 2026. This was a joint naval exercise, which brought Indian and US naval personnel to exchange knowledge and conduct specialized training in explosive ordnance disposal and related maritime operations. The joint exercise included the discussion of emerging issues such as IEDs, mine neutralization and render-safe operations, in addition to diving and underwater operations.

India-USN EOD Exercise 2026 Concludes at Kochi

This exercise was conducted at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, India, and lasted until August 14, 2026.

The main objective of this bilateral exercise was the exchange of professionals from the Indian and US Navies for the conduct of intensive discussions and demonstrations of their specialized skills and knowledge.

Areas Highlighted during the Exercise

Several vital aspects concerning EOD activities were highlighted in the SMEEs.

These areas includes,

• Live threats from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
• Render-safe actions
• Mine neutralization
• Utilization of unmanned underwater systems
• Specialized diving equipment
• Wreck location and salvage
• Slithering operations

Through the discussions and the practical sessions, personnel from the two navies gained specialized information regarding different approaches to EOD operations.

Why Is the IN-USN EOD Exercise Significant?

The exercise improved the professional competency and skills of the participating diving teams while fostering understanding between the two navies.

Bilateral exercises of such kind regularly ensure that military officials get to know each other’s techniques, equipments and methods. This helps ensure inter-operability, which is important when the forces have to cooperate effectively for conducting specialized maritime missions.

The exercise also shows the ongoing maritime defence cooperation between India and the United States.