The exercise focused on improving shared maritime domain awareness, information sharing, and enhancing replenishment and logistics interoperability
The Indian Navy’s frontline warships conducted a major military exercise with the Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group of the US in the Indian Ocean. This exercise highlights the strengthening maritime ties between the two nations.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt, a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, led the US fleet. A carrier strike group, such as this one, consists of an aircraft carrier accompanied by several destroyers, frigates, and other ships, forming a formidable naval force.
On July 12, the Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group operated alongside Indian Navy forces in the Indian Ocean. This wargame took place against the backdrop of increasing concerns among democratic nations regarding China’s expanding military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indian Navy’s participation included the guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam and the replenishment ship INS Aditya.
“This joint maritime activity advanced interoperability between the two major defence partners and underscores their shared commitment to upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the US embassy stated.
The exercise focused on improving shared maritime domain awareness, information sharing, and enhancing replenishment and logistics interoperability. Additionally, it aimed to improve combined air-to-air capabilities. Participating US units included the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, Carrier Air Wing 11, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt is currently operating with carrier strike group nine after conducting this joint maritime activity in the 7th Fleet area of operations. The 7th Fleet is the US Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, frequently interacting and operating with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The Indian Navy regularly participates alongside US Navy units in multilateral exercises across the Pacific, including regions in Southwest Asia and littoral Africa. The US embassy also noted, “In addition to the group sail, the Indian Navy is also operating in leadership roles with the US Navy and other allies and partners in the ongoing Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 exercise in Hawaii.”
This exercise is another step in enhancing the operational synergy between the Indian and US navies, contributing to regional security and stability.
