EU Naval Ships Make First-Ever Coordinated Port Call in India

In a historic first under the European Union's banner, two warships—ESPS Reina Sofia of the Spanish Navy and ITS Antonio Marceglia of the Italian Navy—docked in Mumbai from 26 May to 1 June 2025 for an operational turnaround. More than just a routine port call, this visit marks a significant milestone in India-EU strategic engagement, following high-level talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Image Source: PIB India

Operating under the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) and commanded respectively by Cdr Salvador Moreno Regil and Cdr Alberto Bartolomeo, the ships’ presence in Indian waters reflects growing international alignment on maritime security. This deployment builds on commitments made during the 4th India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue held in New Delhi in March 2025 and represents the EU’s expanding operational outreach into the Indo-Pacific.

Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, Force Commander of Operation Atalanta, led the EUNAVFOR delegation in official discussions with Rear Admiral Vidyadhar Harke, Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Western Naval Command. The dialogue emphasized enhanced naval coordination, operational synergy, and expanding avenues for bilateral cooperation in the military domain.

While in harbour, the visiting crews engaged in Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) and a Table Top Exercise (TTX) with the Indian Navy. These sessions focused on tactical-level interoperability in operations such as anti-piracy and anti-smuggling—real-world challenges that affect both Europe and India across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The visit culminates with a joint maritime exercise, involving both EU vessels and Indian Navy ships and aircraft. The exercises will feature complex tactical scenarios designed to boost interoperability and readiness for joint responses to non-traditional maritime threats, including piracy, smuggling, and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

This engagement underlines a shared India-EU vision for a rules-based maritime order, ensuring the security of sea lanes and freedom of navigation. As non-traditional threats escalate in the Indo-Pacific, the visit reinforces the strategic convergence between India and the EU as defenders of international maritime norms.