India, Netherlands navies strengthen maritime cooperation with PASSEX off Kochi

Indian Navy vessel INS Sharda conducted a Passage Exercise with the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter off Kochi. A defence statement on Friday said the exercise, held on May 7, 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. ''The PASSEX involved a range of interoperability drills, including tactical manoeuvres, communication drills, and flying operations, and concluded with a traditional steam past,'' the statement said. The engagement provided a valuable opportunity for deeper operational understanding and exchange of best practices, further strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation, it added. The exercise marked a significant step in the India–Netherlands maritime partnership and reaffirmed the Indian Navy's role as a key and preferred security partner in the region, it further said.

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