In a significant development highlighting the evolving strategic partnership between India and the European Union, two European naval vessels—ESPS Reina Sofia from Spain and ITS Antonio Marceglia from Italy—successfully wrapped up their operational turnaround in Mumbai. This pivotal visit, which spanned from May 26 to June 1, was conducted under the banner of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) and represents the first deployment of its kind to India, signaling the EU’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.
Commanded by Commander Salvador Moreno Regil and Commander Alberto Bartolomeo, the ships are integral to Operation Atalanta, the EU’s longstanding maritime security mission focused on counter-piracy efforts and ensuring safe navigation across critical waterways. The arrival of these naval forces in Mumbai follows high-level discussions earlier this year between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. During their talks, both leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing defense and maritime cooperation, with von der Leyen describing India as “a pillar of certainty in an increasingly uncertain world.”
The week-long port visit included a variety of ceremonial events, cultural exchanges, and professional interactions aimed at reinforcing ties between the Indian Navy and European naval personnel. Images captured from the events displayed a strong sense of unity, with officers from both sides mingling on the decks of the ships, their national flags and the EU emblem prominently displayed. A traditional gathering around a ship’s wheel served as another highlight, showcasing portraits of naval leaders and maritime symbols that reflect a shared naval heritage.
This naval visit aligns with India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which seeks to safeguard maritime routes, combat illicit activities, and bolster regional partnerships in light of growing Chinese influence. A report from Modern Diplomacy noted India’s strategic pivot towards light carrier groups and a focus on maritime domain awareness. The EU’s participation in India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, discussed during the Modi-von der Leyen summit, is viewed as a step toward achieving deeper regional integration.
Moreover, the Mumbai visit mirrors a broader trend of global maritime collaboration. Notably, the ITS Antonio Marceglia had previously participated in the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo in Bali, Indonesia, earlier in February, which saw the involvement of navies from 38 countries, including India. The exercise featured joint drills and humanitarian efforts, such as beach cleanups and mangrove planting, underscoring the expanding role of naval forces not only in security but also in environmental stewardship and regional stability.
As this visit concludes successfully, it paves the path for enhanced maritime cooperation between India and the EU. Future initiatives may encompass joint naval exercises, coordinated patrols in critical sea lanes, and collaborative frameworks for information sharing. These efforts are expected to significantly contribute toward establishing a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, echoing sentiments highlighted in a recent report focused on U.S.-India maritime security coordination.
With India and the EU also aiming to finalize a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement by the close of 2025, the maritime domain is set to become a cornerstone of their strategic relationship. This mutual commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific amplifies the geopolitical significance of such naval engagements, setting a robust precedent for future collaboration between India and the European Union.
