India Greece naval exercise PASSEX 2025 conducted near Mumbai boosts maritime interoperability and highlights strategic defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
India & Greece Conduct PASSEX to Strengthen Naval Cooperation
Joint Naval Exercise Near Mumbai
On July 10, 2025, the Indian Navy and the Hellenic (Greek) Navy conducted a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of MumbaiThis bilateral drill, involving India’s INS Tarkash (a Talwar-class stealth frigate) and Greece’s HS Psara, included rigorous tactical maneuvers: surface-firing drills, cross-deck helicopter landings, replenishment-at-sea, steam-past evolutions, and firefighting and communication exercises
Enhancing Maritime Interoperability
The PASSEX aimed to bolster operational coordination by sharing best practices across many disciplines. The exchange notably covered communication protocols, damage control methods, and steering and combat manoeuvres under simulated stress, reinforcing combat readiness and joint mission capability
INS Tarkash & HS Psara: Vanguard of the Exercise
India’s INS Tarkash operated under the Western Naval Command, while Greece contributed HS Psara. INS Tarkash, commissioned in November 2012, is outfitted with BrahMos supersonic missiles, anti-submarine rockets, and onboard helicopter capabilities. HS Psara complements this with its own suite of modern naval systems
Strategic Partnership: A Rising Defence Bond
India and Greece elevated their international ties to a Strategic Partnership during PM Modi’s visit to Greece in 2023 This PASSEX continues that momentum, following bilateral air force drills like Tarang Shakti (Indian side) and INIOCHOS (Greek side) conducted in 2024 and 2025
Diplomatic Messaging & Regional Security Implications
Through this exercise, both nations projected a message of unity and shared stability in the Indo-Pacific region, positioning themselves as reliable partners in ensuring sea lane security and regional stability
Why This News Is Important
Strengthening India’s Strategic Footprint
Naval drills such as PASSEX with Greece diversify India’s defence partnerships beyond traditional allies, underlining a strategic outreach into the Eastern Mediterranean and reinforcing India’s voice in Indo-Pacific security forums.
Upscaling Maritime Interoperability
Exercises like tactical manoeuvres and cross-deck operations demonstrate India’s rising competence in joint naval doctrines, a key element in preparedness for humanitarian, anti-piracy, and maritime security missions.
Reinforcing Strategic Partnership
Boosted through high-level visits in 2023 and multilayered defence exchanges, this exercise consolidates the Strategic Partnership framework with Greece, supporting India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat objectives and co-development of defence systems.
Academic Relevance for Aspirants
For UPSC, CAPF, and CDS aspirants, this exemplifies real-world application of defence diplomacy, maritime security strategy, and bilateral engagements—core aspects tested in General Studies and GS Paper II.
Contemporary Defence Context
Highlighting how modern navies train for interoperability and dynamic response, this event reflects current trends in global defence—interconnectivity through regular drills, technology-sharing, and naval coordination shaping 21st century maritime power spheres.
Historical Context
Origins of PASSEX Exercises
A Passing Exercise (PASSEX) is a routine naval drill performed when two friendly navies meet at sea. Participating ships rehearse coordinated operations to facilitate mutual responses during joint missions
India’s Maritime Diplomacy
India has engaged in 47 Maritime Partnership Exercises with 28 countries (as of October 2022), drawing from decades of naval collaborations across Europe, the Indo-Pacific, Africa, and the Gulf
India–Greece Relationship Evolution
After upgrading to a Strategic Partnership in 2023, India and Greece have deepened defence ties—not just in naval, but also in air force exercises like Tarang Shakti (India-led) and INIOCHOS (Greece-led) in 2024–2025
Key Takeaways from India-Greece PASSEX
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The PASSEX took place on 10 July 2025 in the Arabian Sea, near Mumbai |
| 2 | Participating ships were INS Tarkash (India) and HS Psara (Greece) |
| 3 | Activities included surface-firing, helicopter cross-deck landings, replenishment-at-sea, and steam-past manoeuvres |
| 4 | The drill illustrates growing India-Greece Strategic Partnership, initiated in 2023 |
| 5 | Enhances maritime interoperability, key for joint missions and Indo‑Pacific security |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a PASSEX in naval terms?
A PASSEX or Passing Exercise is a routine maritime drill conducted between two friendly navies to enhance interoperability and coordination at sea.
2. Which naval ships participated in the India-Greece PASSEX 2025?
INS Tarkash from India and HS Psara from Greece participated in the PASSEX on July 10, 2025.
3. What is the strategic importance of PASSEX for India?
Such exercises boost India’s maritime diplomacy, improve bilateral relations, and enhance joint operational capabilities in critical sea lanes.
4. When was the India-Greece Strategic Partnership formalized?
The India-Greece Strategic Partnership was established in 2023 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Greece.
5. What kind of drills were part of the India-Greece PASSEX?
Drills included surface-firing, replenishment-at-sea, cross-deck helicopter landings, communication exercises, and steam-past evolutions.
6. Which command oversees INS Tarkash?
INS Tarkash operates under the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command.
7. How do such exercises benefit Indian defence aspirants in exams?
They offer relevant insights into India’s military diplomacy and strategic engagements, which are commonly featured in UPSC, CAPF, and defence exam syllabi.
8. What are other notable joint defence exercises India has participated in?
India has participated in MALABAR, VARUNA, AUSINDEX, and MILAN with countries like the US, France, Australia, and ASEAN nations respectively.
9. What is the relevance of the Indo-Pacific region in global geopolitics?
The Indo-Pacific region is crucial for international trade routes, energy security, and strategic balance among global powers.
10. What is INS Tarkash equipped with?
INS Tarkash is armed with BrahMos supersonic missiles, anti-submarine weapons, and multi-role helicopters.
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