text: Indian Navy has conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX)- a high-end joint naval drill with the US Navy in the Indian Ocean. To maximize training and interoperability, including air defense.
  The exercise featured the participation of four Indian naval ships, including INS Shivalik, INS Sahyadri, INS Kamorta and INS Rana.
  Teamed up with carrier USS Nimitz is the U.S. Navy's largest aircraft carrier and three other U.S. ships- Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, USS Princeton (CG 59) and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114).
  The exercise was conducted near the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
  To improve the cooperation between the U.S. and Indian maritime forces
  This will increase both sides' ability to counter threats at sea, from piracy to violent extremism.
  An open sea promotes an international rules-based order wherein each country can reach its prospect without sacrificing national sovereignty.
  It will also present a chance to build strong relationships between the United States and India.
  The move by Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) can be seen in the context of the stand-off with China along the border in Ladakh.
  The exercise comes at a time when we are witnessing mounting tensions in the South China Sea where the U.S Navy just conducted a major exercise involving USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan.
  The Indian Navy is keeping a close watch on the movement of Chinese naval ships in the IOR, whose presence has increased in recent years in the name of anti-piracy patrols.