Indian Navy and the Hellenic Navy (Greece) conducted a bilateral Passing Exercise (PASSEX) in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Mumbai. This exercise aimed to enhance maritime interoperability and strengthen defence ties between the two nations.
About India-Greece PASSEX
Participating Warships
- INS Tarkash – Representing India; a Talwar-class stealth frigate under the Western Naval Command.
- HS Psara – Representing Greece; a modern frigate of the Hellenic Navy.
Exercise Components
The PASSEX included a series of complex, coordinated naval operations:
- Tactical maneuvers (formation movements at sea)
- Surface firing drills
- Cross-deck helicopter landings
- Replenishment at sea operations
- Communication protocol exercises
- Firefighting and damage control drills
- Steam-past evolutions (sailing past each other in formation)
Purpose & Strategic Significance
- The drill facilitated exchange of naval best practices in areas like:
- Seamanship
- Combat maneuvers
- Emergency response
- Communication under stress
- It boosted operational coordination and strengthened both navies’ combat readiness and joint mission capabilities.
- Demonstrates the growing India-Greece strategic maritime cooperation under a broader Strategic Partnership.
INS Tarkash- Key Facts
- Class: Talwar-class stealth frigate.
- Built by: Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia.
- Commissioned: 9 November 2012 (joined Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command on 27 December 2012).
- Armaments:
- BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
- Anti-submarine rockets
- Onboard multi-role helicopter
- Roles: Suitable for high-intensity combat, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and disaster management operations.
HS Psara Overview
- A modern frigate of the Hellenic Navy.
- Equipped with advanced sensor, weapon, and communication systems.
- Supports multinational naval exercises and contributes to NATO and EU maritime operations.
Strategic Partnership Context
- India and Greece upgraded their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2023 during PM Modi’s visit to Greece.
- This naval PASSEX aligns with that strategic shift and follows previous joint exercises:
- Tarang Shakti (India) – Large-scale multilateral air exercise.
- INIOCHOS (Greece) – Annual multinational air force drill.
- The 2024–25 period has seen enhanced defence engagement across air and sea domains.
Diplomatic and Regional Importance
- The PASSEX sends a strong diplomatic message of maritime unity and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
- Both countries reaffirm commitment to regional maritime security and freedom of navigation.
- Contributes to ensuring safe sea lanes and rules-based maritime order.
Background on PASSEX Exercises
- A Passing Exercise (PASSEX) is a standard naval drill conducted when two friendly navies cross paths at sea.
- Objective: To ensure readiness for combined naval operations, improve interoperability, and rehearse mutual support capabilities during potential joint missions.
India’s Broader Maritime Diplomacy
- As of October 2022, India has conducted:
- 47 Maritime Partnership Exercises
- With 28 countries, spanning Europe, Africa, Indo-Pacific, and Gulf regions
- These exercises enhance India’s blue-water navy stature and deepen strategic relationships.