EU Naval Force proposes exercise to strengthen maritime cooperation insidelooknews

Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano visiting IFC-IOR. April 17, 2025.
| Photo Credit: X/@IFC_IOR

The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA, which operates in the Western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, has proposed a joint exercise with the Indian Navy towards the end of May, its Operation Commander Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano said on Thursday (April 17, 2025).

Visiting India to enhance cooperation, he noted that while piracy off the Horn of Africa saw a resurgence last year amid Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea, it has declined recently, although the “threat remains”.

Speaking to journalists, Vice Adm. Serrano stated, “I made a proposal to the Indian Navy and Indian authorities to do an exercise around the end of May. If it is finally approved, I will be sending two ships to Mumbai for this exercise, to practise and enhance coordination and cooperation.” He emphasised that the primary objective of his visit to New Delhi and Mumbai was to bolster coordination with the Indian Navy in ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean.

The proposed exercise aims to go beyond the routine Passage Exercises (PASSEX) the two navies conduct, which are typically limited in scale. “The proposed exercise will be more advanced and focus on counter-piracy operations, tactical manoeuvres and communications,” Vice Adm. Serrano explained.

He highlighted the shared interest in maintaining the Indian Ocean as a “free, open, sustainable and inclusive area free of danger.” “We are in the area, both of us, we have assets in the area, one through Atalanta and one through the Indian Navy, and now the rest makes logic. We need to coordinate positions and actions, and then when the situation comes, we will decide for the coordination,” the Vice Adm. added.

Operation ATALANTA began in 2008, primarily focused on preventing piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. Its mandate has since expanded to include protecting World Food Programme vessels and other vulnerable shipping; contributing to the implementation of the arms embargo on Somalia; and monitoring narcotics trafficking, arms trafficking, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and the illicit charcoal trade, among other tasks.

Regarding the recent piracy incidents near the Horn of Africa, the Commander asserted that anti-piracy efforts serve as a deterrent. “With the assets that we have in the area, we can tackle any pirate case within 48-72 hours of the event,” he claimed.

Citing the hijacking of the merchant vessel MV Ruen as an example of successful coordination with India, Vice Adm. Serrano said the forces liaised effectively. “The coordination has always been good and very professional, and we want to keep it that way. I recognise the Indian Navy as a major actor in the area. We will complement [each other] and definitely will be efficient working together,” he stated.

Reiterating the goal of his visit, Vice Adm. Serrano said, “We discussed many operational issues, including piracy, and we are ready to keep working together.” Earlier on Thursday, he visited the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram, acknowledging the regular coordination between the maritime centres of both sides. 

He noted that joint anti-piracy efforts led to the apprehension of 70 suspected pirates last year, with the Indian Navy accounting for 44 captures. While piracy beyond Somalia’s territorial waters has decreased, he cautioned, “The threat is still there… but we will fight it.”

Asked about interactions with the Chinese Navy, which maintains a presence (including a nuclear-powered attack submarine) in the region since 2008, ostensibly for anti-piracy operations, the Vice Admiral described their encounters at sea as “professional”.

He identified the vastness of the Indian Ocean region as a major challenge, necessitating significant assets and robust logistics. “To succeed requires cooperation and partnerships,” he stressed.

Vice Adm. Serrano affirmed Europe’s long-term commitment to the region’s security, stating, “Europe is a good long-term partner and Europe should work for keeping this area free and open.”