ESPS Reina Sofia, commanded by Commander Salvador Moreno Regil, Spanish Navy and ITS Antonio Marceglia, commanded by Commander Alberto Bartolomeo, ItalianNavy, visited Mumbai from 26 May to 01 June 2025 for an operational turn around. Both ships presently operate under European Union Naval Force EUNAVFOR. The visit is significant being the first such visit to India conducted under the aegis of EuropeanUnion. It is a follow-up to the discussions between Shri Narendra Modi, Honourable PrimeMinister of India and Ms Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union, highlighting their shared commitment towards international peace and security. The EUNAVFOR side, led by Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, Force Commander, Op Atalanta, interacted with Rear Admiral Vidyadhar Harke, CSO(Ops), WNC of Indian Navy at HQWNC and discussed matters related to furthering maritime cooperation.
During the ships’ stay in harbour, activities such as SMEEs and a Table Top Exercise TTX were conducted between the two sides, aimed at refining key issues necessary for tactical-level cooperation at sea. Both sides benefitted immensely from the exchanges on experiences gained during Anti Piracy and Anti Smuggling operations. Joint Exercise between IN and EUNAVFOR are being conducted post-departure of the ships from Mumbai on 01 June 2025.
ESPS Reina Sofia and 1TS Antonio Marceglia from EUNAVFOR and ships and aircraft from IN are participating in the exercise at sea. The complex tactical exercises are aimed at enhancing the interoperability between the two sides and will enable seamless operations when deployed for combating non-traditional threats in IOR.
Both India and EU share a strong commitment towards rules-based maritime order, allowing for free and open use of international waters while respecting the territorial integrity of littoral states. The current visit embodies the shared interest of safeguarding legitimate trade and countering non-traditional threats such as piracy, smuggling, and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated IUU fishing which also reflects the discussions undertaken during the 4th India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue, held in New Delhi in March 2025.
