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The Quad partner has sent one of its maritime patrol aircraft to the Northern Territory for joint military training alongside the ADF.
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Defence has revealed an Indian Navy P-8I aircraft will conduct coordinated exercises alongside Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft from 11-15 April off the coast of Darwin.
The combined training, set to mark the first time an Indian P-8I has deployed to Australia outside of a routine military exercise, aims to further strengthen bilateral defence ties between the Quad partners.
Activities are expected to include surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and interoperability drills.
Acting Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Stephen Meredith noted the importance of the engagement as a means to supporting share regional security outcomes.
“Coordinated activities like these are key to enhancing Australia’s maritime capabilities and building maritime domain awareness,” AVM Meredith said.
“This activity reflects the deepening trust between India and Australia’s defence forces and our enduring commitment to work together on common security interests.”
This is the latest of a number of defence collaborations between Australia and India.
Last September, Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Warramunga trained alongside Indian Navy warships INS Shivalik and INS Kadmatt as part of the fourth iteration of AUSINDEX .
A Collins Class submarine, a RAAF P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, RAAF tactical fighter jets, and embarked helicopters from both navies took part throughout the course of the exercise.
For the first time, AUSINDEX 21, held between 5-13 September, included a contactless harbour phase in Darwin, followed by a sea phase in the North Australian Exercise Area.
The nations have also strengthened economic ties, recently signing the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.
As part of the deal, 96 per cent of goods imported from India will be duty-free.
The number of goods exported from Australia without tariffs is expected to grow to 91 per cent over the coming decade as restrictions continue to drop – currently valued at $13.4 billion.
[Related: Australia, India sign ‘historic’ trade agreement ]
