The Indian Navy and US Navy have begun their eighth bilateral Explosive Ordnance Disposal exercise in Kochi, focusing on underwater explosive safety, specialist training, emerging technologies and operational interoperability.

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• The Indian Navy–US Navy EOD Exercise 2026 began on 10 August 2026 at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, Kerala, and will continue until 14 August.
• The five-day exercise marks the eighth edition of the specialised bilateral training programme, strengthening cooperation between Indian and American naval EOD and salvage teams.
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal involves detecting, identifying, neutralising, recovering and safely disposing of explosive devices, including underwater mines and unexploded ordnance.
• The exercise features subject matter expert exchanges, joint cross-training, equipment demonstrations and scenario-based practical exercises designed to improve technical capabilities and operational coordination.
• Participating teams will exchange expertise on contemporary EOD methods, emerging technologies and operational concepts, with particular emphasis on specialist diving and underwater explosive safety.
• Indian and US naval forces have conducted joint salvage and EOD exercises since 2005, making the programme an established component of bilateral maritime defence cooperation.
• The Southern Naval Command, headquartered in Kochi, is one of the Indian Navy’s three principal commands and plays a key role in naval training and maritime operations.
• The exercise is expected to enhance technical interoperability, communication, underwater recovery capabilities and maritime security cooperation between the two navies across the Indian Ocean and wider Indo-Pacific region.