India–U.K. Passage Exercise & Defence Cooperation

(UPSC Prelims – Defence Exercises; Mains GS-II & III – International Relations, Security)

🔹 Joint Naval Exercise (PASSEX):

• Date: June 9–10, 2025

• Location: North Arabian Sea

• Type: Passage Exercise (PASSEX)

Participants:

• Indian Navy:

  • INS Tabar (stealth frigate)

  • Submarine (unspecified)

  • P-8I maritime patrol aircraft

• U.K. Royal Navy:

  • HMS Prince of Wales (aircraft carrier)

  • HMS Richmond (frigate)

Exercise Features:

• Unified control of integral helicopters

• Tactical manoeuvres

• Coordinated anti-submarine warfare (ASW)

• Professional exchange of officers

📌 Significance:

• Strengthens India-U.K. maritime security cooperation

• Enhances interoperability and trust in Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region

• Reflects robust bilateral defence partnership

🔹 India–U.K. Defence Relations – Background:

• Rajnath Singh's Visit to UK (Jan 2024): First by an Indian Defence Minister in 22 years

• R.K. Singh's Visit (Apr 2025): Boosted niche defence tech collaboration

• Defence dialogues held via visits and telephonic conversations with UK Defence Secretary John Healey

India-U.K. 2030 Roadmap (May 2021):

• Upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

• Focus on:

  • Defence & security

  • Trade & investment

  • Science & tech

  • Clean energy & climate

  • Health & education

• Vision: “Global force for good” through mutual cooperation in Indo-Pacific

UPSC Relevance:

Prelims:

• Name of exercise: PASSEX

• Ships involved: INS Tabar, HMS Prince of Wales

• Location: North Arabian Sea

• 2030 Roadmap

Mains (GS-II & III):

• India–U.K. relations

• Strategic partnership in Indo-Pacific

• Maritime security & defence diplomacy