ISTANBUL

India and the UK held a joint naval drill in the North Arabian Sea, an Indian Navy statement said on Wednesday.

The Passage Exercise, running through Monday to Tuesday, involved India's INS Tabar with submarine and P8I aircraft, and the UK's HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond Carrier Strike Group, the navy spokesperson said on X.

"The multi-faceted naval exercise included unified control of integral helicopters, tactical maneuvers, coordinated anti-submarine ops and professional exchange of officers," the statement said.

The joint drill emphasizes "the deepening cooperation between the two navies and showcases shared commitment to maritime security and robust bilateral ties," it added.