Maiden Visit of EUNAVFOR Ships to India Marks Strengthening of Maritime Ties

In a significant boost to international maritime cooperation, ships from the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) — ESPS Reina Sofia (Spanish Navy) and ITS Antonio Marceglia (Italian Navy) — made their maiden port call to Mumbai from May 26 to June 1, 2025. This landmark visit underscores the deepening India-EU maritime partnership and follows recent high-level discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union.

Why in News?

This visit marks the first time that EUNAVFOR ships have visited India under the European Union framework, aiming to enhance joint maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The engagement featured harbour activities, tactical exercises, and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), culminating in a joint exercise at sea to counter non-traditional maritime threats.

Aim and Objectives

• Enhance interoperability between EUNAVFOR and Indian Navy.
• Foster rules-based maritime order and promote regional peace.
• Counter non-traditional maritime threats like piracy, smuggling, and IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing.

Key Features of the Visit

Ships Involved

• ESPS Reina Sofia (Commanded by Cdr Salvador Moreno Regil)
• ITS Antonio Marceglia (Commanded by Cdr Alberto Bartolomeo)
• Dates: 26 May to 01 June 2025
• Event Type: Operational Turn Around in Mumbai

Engagements During Visit

• Led by Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, Force Commander, Operation Atalanta (EUNAVFOR)
• Hosted by Rear Admiral Vidyadhar Harke, Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Indian Navy
• Discussions on furthering maritime cooperation

Conduct of,

• Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs)
• Table Top Exercise (TTX) focused on anti-piracy and anti-smuggling operations

Planned Joint Sea Exercise

Involves

• EUNAVFOR ships: ESPS Reina Sofia & ITS Antonio Marceglia
• Indian Navy’s ships and aircraft

Objectives

• Conduct complex tactical drills
• Enhance seamless operational coordination

Strategic Importance

• Demonstrates India-EU alignment on maritime security
• Reinforces decisions from the 4th India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue (March 2025)
• Upholds principles of freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and free trade