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In a compelling demonstration of deepening maritime cooperation, the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy conducted a bilateral Passage Exercise (PASSEX) from June 9–10 in the North Arabian Sea. The exercise showcased growing interoperability and shared strategic intent between the two navies amid evolving Indo-Pacific dynamics.
The Indian Navy deployed INS Tabar, a submarine, and a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, which operated alongside the UK’s Carrier Strike Group led by HMS Prince of Wales and accompanied by HMS Richmond.
According to the Indian Navy, the exercise featured complex and coordinated manoeuvres, including anti-submarine warfare drills, helicopter operations, tactical surface engagements, and an officer exchange program—underscoring a high degree of operational synergy.
PASSEX 2025 marks the continuation of a bilateral naval relationship that began with the inaugural PASSEX in 2021. That first engagement, conducted during the Royal Navy’s CSG-21 deployment, saw HMS Queen Elizabeth train with a formidable Indian Navy contingent—including destroyers, frigates, a submarine, and P-8I aircraft—and marked the debut of the F-35B Lightning II in Indian waters, signalling a new benchmark in joint capability.
This year’s exercise comes at a time of heightened strategic churn across the Indo-Pacific, reaffirming the importance of credible naval partnerships. For India, such engagements enhance maritime domain awareness and strengthen defence preparedness. For the UK, a sustained presence in the region aligns with its vision of a ‘Global Britain’ and underscores its commitment to regional security.
#INSTabar with submarine and P8I aircraft of #IndianNavy participated in a Passage Exercise in the North Arabian Sea on 09 and 10 Jun 25 with HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond from UK Carrier Strike Group @COMUKCSG.
The multi-faceted naval exercise included unified control of… pic.twitter.com/DUUt8KikL0
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 11, 2025
Beyond tactical proficiency, PASSEX reflects the broader deepening of India–UK defence ties. Regular joint drills and naval exchanges have steadily enhanced interoperability and fostered mutual confidence—which is crucial to addressing shared maritime challenges, such as piracy, trafficking, and regional instability.
As geopolitical currents shift, bilateral exercises like PASSEX serve as a robust affirmation of both nations’ commitment to a free, open, and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific.
Team BharatShakti
