Russian, Bangladeshi navies conduct drills in Indian Ocean
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Russian Pacific Fleet warships and vessels from the Bangladesh Navy have carried out joint naval drills in the Indian Ocean, according to a statement from the Pacific Fleet.
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The Bangladesh Navy welcomes the arrival of Russia's Pacific Fleet at the port of Chittagong in Bangladesh April 16, 2025. (The Bangladesh Navy/X)
Russian Pacific Fleet warships and vessels from the Bangladesh Navy have carried out joint naval drills, the PASSEX 2025 joint naval drill, in the Indian Ocean, according to a statement from Russia's Pacific Fleet.
"Crews of Pacific Fleet vessels have completed the program of a business call at the port of Chittagong in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. During the visit to the friendly country, the two sides agreed to hold joint PASSEX maneuvers," the Russian fleet revealed.
PASSEX (Passing Exercise) is a type of naval drill conducted by two or more countries' naval forces. These exercises focus on enhancing communication, coordination, and interoperability between the participating fleets. During PASSEX, navies usually engage in a series of operations, including tactical maneuvering, joint training on communication systems, and the exchange of knowledge regarding ship operations.
Following their departure from Chittagong, ships from both navies moved into the Indian Ocean to begin exercises. Participating on the Russian side were the Rezky and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov corvettes, along with the Pechenga medium sea tanker. The Bangladeshi Navy contributed the BNS Umar Farooq, BNS Prottoy, and BNS Durjoy.
From Russia with Love - A Naval Bond Anchord in Bangladesh!!!
— Bangladesh Navy (@BangladeshNavyX) April 13, 2025
Bangladesh Navy warmly welcomes the arrival of a Russian Navy ships to Bangladesh on a goodwill visit. The presence of Russian ships underlines our shared commitment to peace, security. Bangladesh Navy remains ever… pic.twitter.com/u6N1TsME16
During the exercise, crews conducted training focused on communications and coordinated tactical maneuvering. In addition, they practiced replenishing water and fuel supplies from the Pechenga while at sea, according to the Russian fleet. Once the drills concluded, the Russian vessels resumed their mission under the fleet's long-range cruise plan, according to the Pacific Fleet.
Growing cooperation with Russia
As nations continue to navigate geopolitics, such naval collaborations are likely to play a significant role in shaping the security architecture of the Indian Ocean and other regions.
In 2023, Myanmar hosted its first joint naval exercise with Russia in the Andaman Sea, a marginal sea of the northeastern Indian Ocean bounded by the coastlines of Myanmar and Thailand along the Gulf of Martaban and the west side of the Malay Peninsula.
​Bangladesh and Russia have cultivated a robust relationship over the years. A pivotal aspect of this partnership is the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), a major project that shows their growing cooperation. The plant, being constructed with Russian expertise and financing, is set to enhance Bangladesh's energy security and economic development, according to Spotnik India.
The first batch of uranium fuel for the #RooppurNPP has been delivered to the construction site!
— Embassy of Russia in Bangladesh (@RussEmbDhaka) September 29, 2023
Video by @somoytv pic.twitter.com/esZ6hIn7W0
A similar effort can be seen between Russia and Iran, with Russia’s role in constructing the Bushehr nuclear power plant. The new projects aim to expand Iran’s energy infrastructure with Russian expertise, including small modular reactors, to diversify energy production.
Last month, a China-Iran-Russia Security Belt-2025 joint exercise took place over a 5-day period. The exercise commenced with a Chinese naval flotilla arriving in waters near Iran's Chabahar port, rendezvousing with Iranian and Russian vessels. The Iranian navy at the time deployed several warships, including the Jamaran, Alvand, and Bayandor destroyers, along with frigates Neyzeh, Genaveh, Nayband, and Bahregan.
