In a notable display of maritime strength and international cooperation, the Indian Navy recently concluded a significant exercise in the Arabian Sea. This marks the first major exercise following the Indian Navy's active role in Operation Sindoor, a response to the terror attack in Pahalgam in May 2025. The exercise underscores India's commitment to regional security and its growing strategic partnership with key allies.
Fresh off a month-long high-alert deployment during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Navy engaged in a high-tempo Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group in the North Arabian Sea on June 9 and 10, 2025. This drill featured several key Indian naval assets, including the stealth frigate INS Tabar, a Kalvari-class submarine, and the long-range maritime patrol aircraft P-8I. The UK's naval contingent included the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond.
Operation Sindoor saw the Indian Navy playing a crucial role in deterring escalation and maintaining regional stability. In response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the Navy forward-deployed frontline warships and submarines, led by the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, to the Northern Arabian Sea. This deployment served as a deterrent, effectively confining the Pakistani Navy to its shores. Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod, Director General of Naval Operations, stated that the Navy was ready to strike high-value Pakistani military infrastructure, including Karachi Port, if necessary. The message was clear: India was prepared to defend its interests and respond decisively to any further provocation.
The recent exercise with the UK Carrier Strike Group builds upon this demonstration of force, emphasizing advanced operational coordination and interoperability between the two navies. The two-day multi-faceted naval exercise involved "unified control of integral helicopters, tactical maneuvers, coordinated anti-submarine operations, and professional exchange of officers," according to the Indian Navy. Synchronized tactical maneuvers and unified helicopter control operations demonstrated the readiness and high-end combat capabilities of both navies.
Beyond the immediate tactical gains, the exercise also served to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and the United Kingdom. High-level visits, joint service exercises, and policy changes have consistently progressed India-UK bilateral defense ties. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to the UK in January 2024, the first by an Indian Defence Minister in 22 years, focused on discussions regarding defense, security, and industrial cooperation. In May 2021, the India-United Kingdom bilateral partnership was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with a ten-year (2030) Roadmap.
The Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the Arabian Sea underscores the shared commitment of the Indian and Royal Navies to maintaining a secure and stable maritime environment. As global maritime challenges grow more complex, particularly with the rise of the Chinese Navy in the region, the collaboration between like-minded democratic nations like India and the UK becomes increasingly vital. The exercise reinforces their shared commitment to freedom of navigation, maritime domain awareness, and the enforcement of a rules-based international order.
India has also been actively engaging in military exercises with other countries following Operation Sindoor. These include joint Special Forces drills with the US and upcoming trilateral wargames in Mongolia. These exercises focus on expanding partnerships, exchanging best practices in special operations, and enhancing interoperability.
In conclusion, the Indian Navy's recent exercise in the Arabian Sea represents a significant step in solidifying its position as a leading maritime power and strengthening its relationships with key strategic partners. Following its assertive role in Operation Sindoor, this exercise demonstrates India's ongoing commitment to maintaining regional security and promoting a stable maritime environment. Through continued engagement in joint exercises and strategic dialogues, the Indian Navy is well-positioned to address the evolving challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
