India–UK Naval Exercise PASSEX 2025 Held in The Strategic Waters of The North Arabian Sea

As a timely testament to the necessity for deepened maritime cooperation among democratic partners- UK and India- the PASSEX 2025 exercise was held in the strategic waters of the North Arabian Sea on June 9 and 10. Bridging oceans and capabilities, this joint exercise served the immediate operational objectives and also symbolized the shared dedication of India and the UK to uphold a rules‑based international order and ensure global maritime security.

The exercise unfolded under the actual command of distinguished naval leaders from both nations, reflecting a level of coordination befitting such high‑end drills. On the Indian side, a spokesperson for the Indian Navy confirmed that the stealth frigate INS Tabar, one of India’s conventional submarines, and the long‑range maritime reconnaissance P‑8I aircraft were fully engaged in the operations. Representing the Royal Navy, the UK's Carrier Strike Group comprised HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond, which integrated seamlessly with their Indian counterparts.

Over the course of two days, the navies conducted a comprehensive array of maritime drills, showcasing their ability to operate in concert under varied scenarios. These drills featured coordinated anti‑submarine warfare operations, tactical manoeuvres, unified helicopter control, and a professional exchange of officers across ship and aerial platforms. Such complex operations reinforce the operational readiness of both forces and cement their interoperability - an essential quality amid the multifaceted security concerns present in the Indo‑Pacific and adjoining seas.

Official statements from Indian naval authorities captured the essence of the partnership during this exercise. According to the Indian Navy spokesperson, “This collaboration underscores the strong relationship between the two navies and their dedication to maintaining a secure and stable maritime environment,” a remark that highlights the strategic significance underpinning PASSEX 2025.

The choice of venue and timing adds further weight to the exercise’s importance. The North Arabian Sea serves as a critical junction for global trade, energy shipments, and strategic naval presence. Joint exercises in this maritime corridor reinforce the shared resolve of India and the UK to safeguard freedom of navigation and maintain stability in the Indo‑Pacific region.

Indeed, as regional maritime threats become more sophisticated and interconnected, the symbiotic coordination between like‑minded democracies assumes increasing significance. The seamless integration of advanced platforms—submarines, frigates, carrier strike groups, reconnaissance aircraft—and professional skills exchange underscores an operational depth that strengthens deterrence and readiness across a broad spectrum of maritime contingencies.

The statements emerging from naval spokespersons further accentuate this trajectory. The Indian Navy underlined that the joint exercise “demonstrates the deepening cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy, showcasing a shared commitment to maritime security and robust bilateral ties”. Furthermore, in a message posted on X, the Indian Navy stated: “The joint exercise underscores the deepening cooperation between the two navies and showcases shared commitment to #maritimesecurity and robust bilateral ties”.

Looking ahead, PASSEX 2025 lays a strong foundation for future cooperative ventures—whether through expanded regional drills, trilateral engagements such as with the EU, or enhanced capacity‑building efforts among partnership navies. The exercise does not signal merely a passing event but rather a durable step forward in fostering sustained maritime collaboration. It aligns with India’s increasing embrace of strategic partnerships across the globe.

PASSEX 2025 thus emerges as a high‑impact diplomatic milestone: a synthesis of operational excellence, shared values, and strategic foresight. By conducting such exercises in a vital maritime corridor, India and the UK reaffirm their resolve to protect shared interests, strengthen mutual trust, and contribute meaningfully to the global maritime commons.