The Indian and Hellenic Navies recently concluded a joint Passing Exercise (PASSEX) off the coast of Mumbai, marking a significant stride in enhancing maritime interoperability and combat capability between the two nations. This collaborative drill, featuring India’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash and the Hellenic Navy Ship HS Psara, underscores a deepening strategic alignment and shared commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, fostering stability and mutual understanding in an increasingly complex global environment.
The exercise, conducted on Thursday, July 10, 2025, encompassed a comprehensive range of naval manoeuvres. These included intricate tactical formations, precision replenishment-at-sea approaches, live surface firing drills, and complex cross-deck helicopter landings, culminating in a traditional steam past. Such multifaceted engagements are critical for validating communication procedures, refining operational readiness, and facilitating the exchange of best practices between naval forces. This direct interaction builds crucial trust and familiarity, essential for effective coordination in future joint operations or humanitarian missions.
The participation of INS Tarkash from the Indian Navy and HS Psara from the Hellenic Navy highlights a growing convergence of strategic interests. Both nations recognise the imperative of maintaining open and secure sea lanes, vital for global trade and economic prosperity. The seamless execution of advanced drills during the PASSEX not only enhanced the operational readiness of both fleets but also served as a tangible demonstration of their collective resolve to uphold a rules-based international order and contribute to regional stability through robust naval diplomacy.
This recent naval engagement builds upon a traditionally warm and enduring relationship between India and Greece, characterised by consistent mutual support on issues of core national interest. The visit of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to India in 2024 further solidified this trajectory, with leaders reaffirming shared objectives to advance defence cooperation, including collaborative initiatives in defence industrial innovation. Such partnerships are increasingly vital in a multipolar world, promoting shared security interests without contributing to an arms race, aligning with the broader goal of fostering equitable global security.
The successful conclusion of the PASSEX off Mumbai signifies a maturing defence relationship, moving beyond symbolic gestures to substantive operational collaboration. As both units proceeded with their scheduled deployments post-exercise, the enhanced interoperability achieved will undoubtedly contribute to a more secure maritime domain. This ongoing commitment to joint training and strategic dialogue between the Indian and Hellenic Navies serves as a powerful testament to their shared vision for a stable, prosperous, and interconnected global maritime commons, reinforcing the principles of international cooperation for a zero-net-carbon and eco-friendly future through responsible naval presence.
Also Read: Karnataka Tourism roadshow in Kolkata promotes eco‑friendly travel appeal across East
