EU and India Conduct Maiden Joint Naval Exercise in Gulf of Guinea

• 28 Oct 2023

India and the European Union (EU) recently carried out their first-ever joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Guinea, emphasizing their commitment to bolstering maritime security cooperation in the region.

Key Points

• Joint Exercise: The joint naval exercise took place in the Gulf of Guinea on October 24, 2023, following the third meeting of the EU-India Maritime Security Dialogue held in Brussels on October 5, 2023.
• Knowledge Sharing Session: Following the exercise at sea, a knowledge-sharing session was conducted in Accra, Ghana.
• This session aimed to enhance operational knowledge by building on the experiences gained during the joint exercise.
• It also facilitated closer connections between Ghanaian officials and representatives from India, the EU, and EU Member States missions to Ghana.
• Commitment to Maritime Security: These activities underscored the joint commitment of India and the EU to support coastal states and the Yaoundé Architecture in ensuring maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
• The exercise showcased the extensive and dynamic cooperation between the EU and India in the realm of maritime security.
• It also demonstrated their shared dedication to upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).