Kochi: The Indian Navy's INS Sharda conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Netherlands Navy ship HNLMS De Ruyter off the coast of Kochi on Friday. The exercise marked the culmination of the visit of a high-level Netherlands delegation led by the deputy commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy to the Southern Naval Command.
Exercise Details
The PASSEX included interoperability drills such as tactical manoeuvres, communication drills, and flying operations. The exercise concluded with a traditional steam past, a symbolic naval maneuver where ships sail past each other in formation.
Strategic Importance
According to the Indian Navy, this engagement provided an opportunity for deeper operational understanding and exchange of best practices. It further strengthened bilateral maritime cooperation between India and the Netherlands.
The visit and the exercise underscore the growing defence ties between the two nations, focusing on enhancing interoperability and mutual understanding in maritime operations.
