Clearing mines, securing ports & more: India-US navies' specialised Kochi exercise
The Indian and US navies have launched a five-day bilateral exercise in Kochi focused on Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and maritime security. The training aims to improve interoperability in clearing underwater explosives and securing critical maritime trade routes.
Why it matters
Strengthening maritime defense cooperation is vital for maintaining global trade security, particularly in volatile regions like the Strait of Hormuz.
The Indian and the US navies have begun a five-day specialised bilateral exercise focused on Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. The exercise, which will conclude on August 14, is aimed at sharpening interoperability between the two navies' diving and EOD teams, a niche but critical area of maritime operations that rarely gets the spotlight compared to bigger-ticket exercises involving warships and fighter jets.The eighth edition of the exercise will run through subject matter expert exchanges, cross-training sessions, equipment demonstrations and scenario-based drills. The aim is to provide specialists from both sides a chance to compare notes on how they clear mines and defuse underwater explosives. These skills matter enormously whenever a harbour needs to be cleared or a vessel needs safe passage through contested or hazardous waters.
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