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India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Spanish and Italian Navy ships engage in tactical exercises with Indian Navy in Mumbai
New Delhi [India], June 1 (ANI): ESPS Reina Sofia, commanded by Cdr Salvador Moreno Regil, Spanish Navy and ITS Antonio Marceglia, commanded by Cdr Alberto Bartolomeo, Italian Navy, are in Mumbai from 26 May to 1 June 2025 for an operational turnaround. Both ships currently operate under the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR). It is the first such visit to India conducted under the aegis of the European Union. It is a follow-up to the discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union, highlighting their shared commitment towards international peace and security. The EUNAVFOR side, led by Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, Force Commander, Op Atalanta, interacted with Rear Admiral Vidyadhar Harke VSM, Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy at the Headquarters, Western Naval Command and discussed matters related to furthering maritime cooperation between the two sides. Both sides agreed on the need for extended cooperation in the military domain, and the meeting was a stepping stone for expanding avenues of cooperation between the Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR. During the ships' stay in harbour, activities such as Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) and a Table Top Exercise (TTX) were conducted between the two sides, aimed at refining key issues necessary for tactical-level cooperation at sea. Both sides benefitted immensely from the exchanges on experiences gained during Anti-Piracy and Anti-Smuggling operations. The harbour engagements laid the foundation for the Joint Exercise between the Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR which is planned post-departure of the ships from Mumbai on 1 June. The exercise at sea will see participation by ESPS Reina Sofia and ITS Antonio Marceglia from EUNAVFOR and ships and aircraft from the Indian Navy. The complex tactical exercises are aimed at enhancing the interoperability between the two sides and will enable seamless operations when deployed for combating non-traditional threats in the Indian Ocean Region. Both India and the EU share a strong commitment towards a rules-based maritime order, allowing for free and open use of international waters while respecting the territorial integrity of littoral states. The current visit embodies the shared interest of safeguarding legitimate trade and countering non-traditional threats such as piracy, smuggling, and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which also reflects the discussions undertaken during the 4th India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue, held in New Delhi in March 2025. These maritime engagements would further strengthen the increasing multi-domain cooperation between India and EU, with a common aim of progressing shared interests. (ANI)
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann takes over as Senior Air Staff Officer of Western Command
Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann took over as Senior Air Staff Officer of Western Air Command, Indian Air Force on Sunday. The Air Marshal is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the IAF on December 16, 1989. He has flown over 3,000 hours primarily on various types of fighter aircraft, said a statement. A pilot Attack Instructor in his operational career, Air Marshal Mann has commanded a fighter squadron, and has been Chief Operations Officer of a forward base and Air Officer Commanding of a premium fighter base. The IAF said he has also held various important appointments at Air Headquarters and Command Headquarters. The Air Officer directed Joint Military Training exercises with the Republic of Singapore Air Force in 2017 and the USAF in 2018. Air Marshal Mann held the appointments of Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration and Air Defence Commander of Central Air Command. He is also an alumnus of the prestigious Defence Services Staff College and Royal College of Defence Studies, London (UK). Prior to taking over as Senior Air Staff Officer, Western Air Command, Indian Air Force, he was Director General (Weapon Systems) at Air Headquarters. The Air Officer is a recipient of the Presidential awards 'Ati Vishist Seva Medal' and 'Vayu Sena Medal'. Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry said in a statement that ships from the Spanish Navy and the Italian Navy operating under EUNAVFOR engaged in a Table Top Exercise in Mumbai. Both ships presently operate under the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR). The visit is significant, being the first such visit to India conducted under the aegis of the European Union. It is a follow-up to the discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting their shared commitment towards international peace and security. The exercise at sea saw participation by ESPS Reina Sofia and ITS Antonio Marceglia from EUNAVFOR and ships and aircraft from the Indian Navy, the statement said. The complex tactical exercises were aimed at enhancing the interoperability between the two sides and will enable seamless operations when deployed for combating non-traditional threats in the Indian Ocean Region, it said.
