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The Royal Australian Navy has concluded its training with the Indian Navy as part of AUSINDEX 25.
The exercise saw HMAS Ballarat and the Indian Navy’s Shivalik Class frigate INS Sahyadri conduct a range of surface, air and naval operations to support the bilateral advancement and proficiency of the navies.
HMAS Ballarat Commanding Officer Dean Uren explained how exercises that promote interoperability are beneficial for all parties involved.
“India is a top-tier security partner for Australia and, as highlighted by the National Defence Strategy, is central to Australia’s ability to achieve our objectives in the Indo-Pacific region,” CMDR Uren said.
“Frequently exercising together and conducting training exchanges not only strengthens our ability to operate together at sea, but it also builds trust, mutual understanding and interoperability between our forces.”
AUSINDEX is a biannual exercise that promotes sailors to share practice and work together and elevate naval operations. This is also the fifth year since Australia and India have committed to enhancing maritime cooperation through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“Exercises like AUSINDEX highlight the commitment of Australia and like-minded partners to regional security, stability and prosperity,” CMDR Uren said.
“They also enable us to enhance Australia’s reputation as a partner of choice in the region.”
This exercise was the final international engagement activity for HMAS Ballarat as part of the vessel’s three-month regional presence deployment in the Indo-Pacific.
