Submarines, Spy Planes, Warships: Indian Navy, UK Carrier Strike Group train near Pakistan's naval backyard - SEE PICS

Weeks after Operation Sindoor, during which Karachi was reportedly considered among potential targets, the Indian Navy joined forces with the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group for a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the North Arabian Sea—highlighting a strong and growing maritime partnership. The exercise, held on June 9 and 10, was aimed at reinforcing mutual commitment to regional security and defence collaboration, an Indian Navy spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Participating Indian naval assets included the stealth frigate INS Tabar, a submarine, and a P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft. From the United Kingdom, the Carrier Strike Group featured HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond.

The joint drills involved a range of coordinated naval activities, such as helicopter integration, tactical formations, anti-submarine warfare operations, and professional exchanges between crew members.

According to the spokesperson, the bilateral exercise showcased the increasing interoperability between the Indian and Royal Navies, reflecting a shared interest in maintaining maritime peace and security in strategically vital waters.

“This exercise reflects the close ties between the two navies and their shared vision for a stable, secure, and rules-based maritime order,” the official said.

#INSTabar with submarine and P8I aircraft of #IndianNavy participated in a Passage Exercise in the North Arabian Sea on 09 and 10 Jun 25 with HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond from UK Carrier Strike Group @COMUKCSG.The multi-faceted naval exercise included unified control of pic.twitter.com/DUUt8KikL0
SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 11, 2025

In a post on X, the Indian Navy gave the details of the military drill. "INSTabar with submarine and P8I aircraft of #IndianNavy participated in a Passage Exercise in the North Arabian Sea on 09 and 10 Jun 25 with HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond from UK Carrier Strike Group @COMUKCSG. The multi-faceted naval exercise included unified control of integral helicopters, tactical manoeuvres, coordinated anti-submarine ops and professional exchange of officers. The joint exercise underscores the deepening cooperation between the two navies and showcases shared commitment to #maritimesecurity and robust bilateral ties," the post read.

(With PTI inputs)