The Indian Navy and the Hellenic (Greek) Navy held a joint PASSEX(passing exercise) near the Mumbai coast in the Arabian Sea on 10 July 2025. This information was posted by the Indian Navy on its social media post on 11 July 2025. The PASSEX is a type of naval exercise conducted between friendly navies when their ships are in the vicinity.
The PASSEX exercise indicates the growing military ties between India and Greece. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Greece in 2023, both countries upgraded their ties to a Strategic Partnership and agreed to strengthen their military ties.
The Hellenic Air Force (as the Greek Air Force is known) participated in the IAF-organised multinational Air exercise Tarang Shakti in 2024. The Indian Air Force participated in the INIOCHOS exercise organised by the Hellenic Air Force in Greece in 2025.
The Western Naval Command deployed INS Tarkash to conduct a PASSEX exercise with the passing Hellenic Navy Ship HS Psara.
During the PASSEX exercise, both the navies performed tactical manoeuvres, surface firing, cross-deck landings and replenishment at sea.
Both navies also undertook joint training, fire, communications and advanced manoeuvre exercises.
The PASSEX helped both the navies in enhancing their maritime interoperability and shared their best practices.
INS Tarkash is a Russian-built Talwar-class stealth frigate that was inducted into the Indian Navy in November 2012.
The Ship is capable of performing a broad spectrum of maritime missions, including traditional military roles, low-intensity maritime operations, and crisis management.
The ship is equipped with BrahMos supersonic missiles, anti-submarine rockets, and an onboard helicopter.
Also Read: IAF in Greece to participate in 2025 INIOCHOS multinational exercise