India, May 31 -- India and the European Union will conduct a joint military exercise in the Indian Ocean from June 1 to June 3, officials said on Saturday.

The exercise will involve Indian Navy ships and two frigates of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA, Italian ship Antonio MARCEGLIA and Spanish ship REINA SOFIA, along with their respective air assets.

The EU and India are increasing cooperation on maritime security.

The EU and India share a strong commitment to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region.

This is underpinned by the respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, democracy, rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce,...