Spanish and Italian Navy Ships Conduct Table Top Exercise in Mumbai Under EUNAVFOR

In a significant step towards bolstering maritime cooperation between India and the European Union, warships from the Spanish and Italian Navies—ESPS Reina Sofia and ITS Antonio Marceglia—operating under the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), arrived in Mumbai for a week-long operational turnaround from May 26 to June 1, 2025.

This marks the first-ever visit by EUNAVFOR warships to India, signifying the growing strategic partnership between both sides. The visit is a follow-up to the high-level discussions between India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, underscoring their shared commitment to international peace and maritime security.

Commanded by Cdr Salvador Moreno Regil and Cdr Alberto Bartolomeo, respectively, the two ships participated in Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) and a Table Top Exercise (TTX) with the Indian Navy. These engagements were aimed at enhancing interoperability and refining coordination for tactical-level cooperation in maritime security operations.

Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, Force Commander of EUNAVFOR’s Operation Atalanta, met with Rear Admiral Vidyadhar Harke, Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Western Naval Command. The leaders discussed ways to expand cooperation in anti-piracy, anti-smuggling operations, and other maritime security areas. Both sides emphasized the importance of a rules-based order and safeguarding free use of international waters.

During their stay, the ships engaged in preparatory planning for an upcoming Joint Naval Exercise at sea, which will include Indian Navy warships and aircraft. The exercise aims to strengthen synergy in responding to non-traditional maritime threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling.

This collaborative engagement reflects discussions held during the 4th India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue earlier in March 2025, reinforcing both regions’ interest in ensuring peace, stability, and legal maritime conduct across the Indian Ocean Region.

The ongoing efforts between the Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR are a testament to their shared goals of promoting safe, secure, and inclusive maritime domains and offer a blueprint for future multilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.