India-Greece Conduct PASSEX 2025 in Ionian Sea to Boost Naval Cooperation
Ionian Sea | August 5, 2025 — In a significant boost to bilateral maritime ties, the Indian Navy and the Hellenic Navy (Greece) began the PASSEX 2025 (Passing Exercise) in the Ionian Sea. The joint naval drill, which commenced on August 5, involves INS Tabar, a frontline stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, and HS Hydra, a guided-missile frigate of the Hellenic Navy.
The exercise is part of India’s continuing efforts to deepen defence cooperation with strategic partners in Europe and the Mediterranean region, especially under the larger umbrella of the Indo-Pacific strategy.
Key Highlights of PASSEX 2025
PASSEX 2025 focuses on a range of complex naval operations designed to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies. The major components of the exercise include:
- Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations
- Advanced tactical maneuvers and formation sailing
- Communication and information sharing drills
- Cross-deck helicopter operations and coordination
This marks the third naval interaction between India and Greece since 2021, reflecting a rapidly growing strategic partnership between the two democracies.
Strategic Importance of PASSEX with Greece
PASSEX exercises are short-term, high-impact naval drills conducted between friendly navies when warships meet at sea. These interactions are crucial to improving operational synergy and ensuring that both forces can coordinate smoothly during real-world maritime scenarios.
According to Rear Admiral Sandeep Singh, who is overseeing the Indian Navy’s Mediterranean deployment, “PASSEX 2025 is a key opportunity to test our cooperative readiness, refine protocols, and build the habit of working together in complex environments. Exercises like these deepen trust and tactical alignment.”
Greece, a NATO member located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, is increasingly involved in regional maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond. For India, the Mediterranean region is a key extension of its Indo-Pacific vision, and cooperation with Greece supports the goal of a free, open, and rules-based maritime order.
INS Tabar and HS Hydra: Maritime Strength on Display
INS Tabar, part of India’s Project 1135.6 Talwar-class frigates, is equipped with advanced surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, anti-submarine torpedoes, and a multi-role helicopter. It has previously participated in numerous international naval engagements, including exercises with the Russian, French, and Italian navies.
HS Hydra, a powerful MEKO 200-class frigate, is one of the most capable warships of the Hellenic Navy. With a robust missile and gun system, Hydra plays a key role in Greece’s maritime operations in both the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.
Their joint maneuvering in PASSEX 2025 sends a message of readiness, friendship, and mutual capability to safeguard shared maritime interests.
Strengthening Indo-European Maritime Ties
India and Greece have significantly strengthened their overall bilateral relations in recent years, especially in the fields of defence, energy, culture, and connectivity. The two countries share concerns over piracy, terrorism, illegal trafficking, and the need for maintaining freedom of navigation in international waters.
This exercise also builds on growing engagements between India and other European nations such as France, Italy, Germany, and the UK in joint naval drills and defence dialogues.
PASSEX 2025 reflects India’s commitment to a multi-aligned foreign policy where cooperation with like-minded nations ensures security and stability in diverse strategic theatres.
Looking Ahead
Both navies are expected to continue their cooperation through future bilateral exercises, port visits, and training programs. Naval cooperation forms a vital link in the broader India-EU defence dialogue, with both sides committed to expanding their naval footprint in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean.
As India’s maritime diplomacy gathers momentum, partnerships like the one with Greece signal New Delhi’s intention to build trusted naval relationships far beyond its immediate neighborhood.
