Demonstrating robust maritime collaboration, the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom successfully conducted a joint Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the North Arabian Sea on June 9 and 10. The two-day exercise featured the Indian Navy’s frontline frigate INS Tabar and a P8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft operating alongside HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond, part of the UK Carrier Strike Group 25.
The exercise included a wide range of coordinated naval activities such as anti-submarine warfare drills, tactical maneuvering exercises, and synchronized helicopter operations. A professional exchange of officers was also conducted, enhancing interoperability and fostering stronger operational understanding between the two navies.
The joint drill gains added significance in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in May 2025, which resulted in numerous casualties. In response, the Indian Navy has increased its maritime vigilance, with the Ministry of Defence reporting a 25% surge in surveillance activities across the Arabian Sea. The joint exercise serves as a timely reaffirmation of shared commitment to maritime security.
HMS Prince of Wales, currently spearheading the UK’s Carrier Strike Group 25, commenced its Indo-Pacific deployment on April 22, 2025. This marks its first major mission to the region, featuring an all-British F-35B air wing, reflecting a strategic shift in NATO’s regional posture and an evolving alignment with Indian security interests.
The exercise underscores the rising importance of multinational naval cooperation in securing critical sea lanes and ensuring stability in the Indian Ocean Region. As threats evolve and geopolitical dynamics shift, India and the UK appear set to deepen their strategic maritime partnership in the years ahead.
