Cyprus, India set to conduct joint naval drills in Mediterranean
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The Mediterranean Sea is set to host a series of significant naval drills this month, as multiple nations boost military cooperation amid shifting regional alliances.
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India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and Cyprus' President Nikos Christodoulides shake hands during their meeting at the Presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, Monday, June 16, 2025 (AP)
Cyprus and India's navies are set to conduct a joint military exercise in the Mediterranean Sea on September 24, the Cypriot daily Phileleftheros reported.
The drill, known as PASSEX, aims to strengthen operational interoperability and bolster maritime security in the region.
According to the report, the Indian Navy frigate INS Trikand, built at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, will arrive at Limassol port to take part in the exercise.
This naval engagement follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus in June, during which bilateral defense agreements were signed, further deepening military cooperation between the two countries.
Turkey, Egypt to hold first drills in 13 years
Separately, Turkey and Egypt announced their first joint naval exercises in over a decade, reflecting a thaw in relations after years of political estrangement.
The drills, named Friendship Sea, will take place in the eastern Mediterranean from September 22–26, the Turkish Defense Ministry said. They will include Turkish frigates, fast attack vessels, a submarine, and F-16 fighter jets, alongside Egyptian naval units.
A high-level observer day on September 25 will see the top naval commanders of both countries in attendance, highlighting the political and military weight of the exercise.
Relations between Ankara and Cairo had soured after the 2013 coup in Egypt that deposed President Mohammed Morsi, who was supported by Turkey. Disputes over Libya and energy rights in the eastern Mediterranean further deepened the rift.
The two states began restoring ties in 2023, reappointing ambassadors and exchanging leadership visits. They have also adopted a joint stance against “Israel’s” genocide in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and playing key roles in regional negotiations.
The Cyprian-Indian and Turkish-Egyptian drills signify the nations' efforts to boost military cooperation amid shifting regional alliances.
