Recently, Indian Naval ships were in the news for conducting a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the U.S. Navy’s USS Nimitz carrier strike group near the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Unlike pre-planned maritime drills, a passage exercise is usually undertaken whenever the opportunity presents itself. In addition to this exercise with the U.S. Navy, the Indian Navy also undertook similar PASSEXs with the Japanese Navy and the French Navy recently.
Details About the PASSEX
The Indian Naval ships participating in the PASSEX included four frontline ships: INS Shivalik, INS Sahyadri, INS Kamorta, and INS Rana. The US side was represented by the carrier USS Nimitz, which is the U.S Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, along with three other U.S. ships.
Objective of the Exercise
The main aim of conducting the PASSEX was to enhance cooperation between the U.S. and Indian maritime forces. This jointly executed exercise aimed to maximize training and interoperability, including aspects of air defense.
Impact of the Exercise
The PASSEX is expected to bolster both sides’ abilities to counter diverse sea threats, ranging from piracy to violent extremism. The exercise also aims to promote a free and open sea, thereby encouraging an international, rules-based order where each country can reach its potential without compromising on national sovereignty. Additionally, it provides a platform to augment the pre-existing strong relationship between the United States and India, enabling both nations to learn from each other.
The China Factor
The recent PASSEX takes place against a backdrop of high-alert status maintained by the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), owing to border tensions with China in Ladakh. Notably, tensions have also been escalating in the South China Sea where the U.S Navy recently conducted a major exercise involving USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan. The Indian Navy has intensified its vigil over the movement of Chinese naval ships in the IOR. The presence of Chinese naval ships in this region, under the pretext of anti-piracy patrols, has seen a considerable increase over the years. In 2017, China established its first overseas military base in Djibouti, positioned in the Horn of Africa.
These events underscore the strategic significance of the PASSEX and the role it plays in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Last Modified: February 8, 2024