US and Indian Navies Join Forces for Advanced Anti-Submarine Drills Near Diego Garcia

In a renewed show of maritime partnership, the Indian Navy and the United States Navy recently carried out joint anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drills in the strategic waters near Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The exercise underscores the two nations’ deepening defence collaboration and shared commitment to maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The drills involved coordinated operations between Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and US Navy’s P-8A Poseidon, both renowned for their long-range reconnaissance and submarine-hunting capabilities. These aircraft conducted intensive tracking and detection missions aimed at simulating the pursuit of hostile submarines under realistic operational conditions.

Officials said the joint training enhanced the crews’ ability to exchange tactical information and improve interoperability in real-time anti-submarine missions. It also allowed both sides to validate new operational tactics and share expertise in underwater threat assessment and electronic warfare.

Located strategically in the central Indian Ocean, Diego Garcia serves as a critical hub for maritime operations and logistics. The surrounding waters are vital for global trade routes and regional stability, making the area a focal point for collaborative defence efforts among like-minded navies.

This latest engagement follows a series of bilateral and multilateral naval interactions under the Indo-Pacific cooperation framework, reflecting the growing synergy between New Delhi and Washington in ensuring a free, open, and secure maritime domain.