India, 3 EU nations begin naval drill in Gulf of Aden

New Delhi, June 18

India and three European nations on Friday began a two-day high-voltage naval wargame in the Gulf of Aden with the larger aim of improving operational inter-operability and promote, peace, security and stability in the key waterways, officials said.

Five warships from the four navies are participating in the ‘EUNAVFOR’ joint naval exercise featuring advanced air defence and anti-submarine drills, cross-deck helicopter operations, tactical manoeuvres and search and rescue missions.

The Indian Navy has deployed its warship INS Trikand for the exercise. The other warships are Italian Navy ship ITS Carabinere, Spanish ship ESPS Navarra, and two French Navy ships FS Tonnerre and FS Surcouf. “The two-day exercise will see high tempo-naval operations at sea, including advanced air defence and anti-submarine exercises, cross deck helicopter operations, tactical manoeuvres, boarding operations, underway replenishment, search and rescue and other maritime security operations,” Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. PTI