INS Sharda conducts passage exercise with Dutch Naval Frigate off Kochi Coast

Kochi: Indian Navy's INS Sharda conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Netherlands Navy ship HNLMS De Ruyter off the coast of Kochi on Friday.The exercise marked the culmination of the visit of a high-level Netherlands delegation led by deputy commander of Royal Netherlands Navy to Southern Naval Command. PASSEX included interoperability drills such as tactical manoeuvres, communication drills, flying operations and concluded with a traditional steam past.According to Indian Navy, the engagement provided an opportunity for deeper operational understanding and exchange of best practices, further strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation between India and the Netherlands.