US Softens Tone, Says Naval Op "Routine", "We Value India's Partnership" US Softens Tone, Says Naval Op "Routine", "We Value India's Partnership" The US values India's partnership on a wide range of issues, including regional security, a Department of Defense spokesperson has said. The US Navy's 7th Fleet conducted the operation off the Lakshadweep coast last week. New Delhi: The United States has further toned down the discord over a naval operation carried out by that country within India's maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ) last week. The exercise, which did not have India's permission, was conducted off the Lakshadweep coast and had rankled India which immediately registered its opposition via diplomatic channels.