India, US Begin Two-Day Naval Exercise In Eastern Indian Ocean Region

The Indian Navy deployed its warship Shivalik and long-range maritime patrol aircraft P8I in the ''PASSEX'' exercise while the US Navy was represented by the USS Theodore Rosevelt carrier strike group, officials said.

India and the US on Sunday kicked off a two-day naval exercise in the eastern Indian Ocean Region, reflecting the growing congruence in their defence and military partnership. The Indian Navy deployed its warship Shivalik and long-range maritime patrol aircraft P8I in the ''PASSEX'' exercise while the US Navy was represented by the USS Theodore Rosevelt carrier strike group, officials said. A carrier battle group or carrier strike group is a mega naval fleet comprising an aircraft carrier, accompanied by a large number of destroyers, frigates and other ships. "In a first, enhancing jointmanship, Indian Air Force fighters were also included in the exercise affording the IAF an opportunity to practice air interception and air defence with the US Navy," a spokesperson of the Indian Navy said.