India and the European Union (EU) will conduct a three-day joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean from June 1 to June 3, reflecting their growing defence and strategic cooperation.

The joint exercise will focus on advanced counter-piracy operations, interoperability, tactical manoeuvres, and enhanced communication protocols, reflecting the growing maritime security cooperation between the two sides. The respective Maritime Operations Centres (MOC) will control the exercise, according to a press release from the European Union.

The exercise will involve Indian Navy ships and two frigates of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA, Italian ship Antonio MARCEGLIA and Spanish ship REINA SOFIA, along with their respective air assets.