EU Navy Backs India as Indo-Pacific Maritime Anchor at Fleet Review

The European Union’s naval command has underscored India’s growing strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific during the International Fleet Review 2026 held off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano, Operation Commander of EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta, said participation from nearly 70 countries demonstrates global confidence in India’s role as a maritime partner and net security provider.

According to him, the scale of international presence reflects trust in India’s ability to contribute to regional stability and secure sea lanes.

Fleet Review Highlights India’s Strategic Role

The International Fleet Review has emerged as one of the largest maritime gatherings in recent years, bringing together warships and naval delegations from across the world.

Serrano praised the Indian Navy for its operational maturity and its capacity to engage diverse naval forces through strategic dialogue, joint exercises, and confidence-building measures.

He noted that such platforms help align operational priorities and strengthen mutual trust among partner nations.

Maritime Cooperation Linked to Defence and Trade

The EU commander highlighted growing convergence between India and Europe in defence cooperation, trade, and technology partnerships.

He explained that maritime security collaboration supports:

• Defence-industrial cooperation

• Secure global supply chains

• Strategic trade routes

• Technology partnerships

“As India and the EU advance defence cooperation and trade frameworks, maritime security becomes a natural pillar supporting those ambitions,” he noted.

Anti-Piracy Coordination Sets Global Benchmark

Coordination between EU NAVFOR and the Indian Navy in the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean was cited as a model for multilateral maritime cooperation.

Joint efforts in anti-piracy operations have strengthened trust and created pathways for broader collaboration in defence manufacturing, joint exercises, and maritime security initiatives.

IFR Seen as Catalyst for Strategic Alignment

Serrano described the fleet review as a catalyst that enables India and European partners to align strategic priorities at a time when sea lanes, energy flows, and global commerce face growing risks.

A stronger India–EU maritime partnership, he said, enhances economic security and strengthens resilience in global trade networks.

India’s Expanding Role in Indo-Pacific Security

With global attention focused on the Indo-Pacific, the EU Navy views India as an indispensable partner militarily, economically, and strategically.

Participation from around 70 countries signals that the 2026 fleet review is not merely ceremonial but a clear indication of India’s expanding influence in shaping maritime order and strengthening partnerships across regions.