The senior officer, interacting with a small group of journalists at the Embassy of the Delegation of the Indian delegation, said he acknowledged the Indian Navy as a “main actor” in its business areas.
Deputy Admiral Serrano stressed that the Indian Ocean must be “a free, open, sustainable and inclusive region”.
“We are one of the tools to ensure ocean safety. Working for maritime security in the Indian Ocean. So that’s why I came here and I came here to coordinate, meet our peers, do things effectively to achieve people’s interests.”
The Eunavfor Atalanta’s operation commander asserted that “we are ready to continue working together.”
He said: “I made a proposal to the Indian Navy and the Indian authorities to practice around the end of May. If finally approved, I will send two ships to Mumbai for this exercise and practice and enhance coordination and cooperation with the Indian Navy.” Deputy Admiral Serrano said he encountered Indian Navy ships in the region many times.
“The coordination has been good and very professional. And, we want to keep that in place. I recognize that the Indian Navy is the main actor in the region. We will add that, and will surely work together effectively.”
