Atalanta: Naval Mission

Joint Naval Exercise Proposed: EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA proposed a joint maritime exercise with the Indian Navy around the end of May 2025.

Objective: Enhance coordination and maritime cooperation, particularly against piracy and geopolitical instability in the Red Sea.

Advanced Drills: Proposed drills would go beyond routine PASSEX, including advanced tactical maneuvers, counter-piracy operations, and inter-naval communications training.

Resurgent Piracy: Piracy off the Horn of Africa saw a resurgence amid Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea.

Operation ATALANTA Background: EU’s counter-piracy mission in the Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea, launched in 2008, expanded to include protecting WFP vessels, enforcing arms embargo on Somalia, monitoring trafficking, combating IUU fishing, and disrupting illegal charcoal trade.

Shared Interests: Maintain the Indian Ocean as a “free, open, sustainable and inclusive area free of danger.”

Coordination Success: Citing the hijacking of MV Ruen as an example of successful coordination with India.

Indian Navy’s Role: Indian Navy recognised as a major actor in the area for anti-piracy.

Apprehension of Pirates: Joint anti-piracy efforts led to the

Challenges: The vastness of the Indian Ocean region, necessitating significant assets and robust logistics.

Europe’s Commitment: Europe is a good long-term partner and should work for keeping this area free and open.