⇒ The maiden Indian Navy – European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Joint Naval Exercise was held on 18th and 19th June 2021 in Gulf of Aden.
A total of five warships from four navies were participated in the exercise.
» Indian Naval Ship Trikand, deployed for Anti-Piracy Operations, participated in the exercise.
» Other warships included Italian Navy Ship ITS Carabinere, Spanish Navy Ship ESPS Navarra, and two French Navy Ship FS Tonnerre and FS Surcouf.
The high-speed naval operation at sea was witnessed during the two-day exercise.
Information sharing Exercise:
Concurrently, a virtual “Information sharing Exercise” was also conducted between the Indian Navy Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region and Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa on 18 June 2021.
Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR:
» EUNAVFOR and the Indian Navy converge on multiple issues including counter piracy operations and protection of vessels deployed under the charter of World Food Programme (UN WFP).
» Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR also have regular interaction through SHADE (Shared Awareness and De-confliction) meetings held annually at Bahrain. This engagement showcases increased levels of synergy, coordination and inter-operability between IN and EUNAVFOR. It also underscores the shared values as partner navies, in ensuring freedom of seas and commitment to an open, inclusive and a rules-based international order.