Three of the Indian Navy warships have arrived to participate in a week-long naval exercise off the Western Australian coast.
The exercise is known as Australia India 2017 (AUSINDEX 17), and is a regular bilateral maritime exercise that focuses on developing deeper understanding and cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
Australian Fleet commander rear admiral Stuart Mayer noted that the naval exercise boosts cooperation between the two navies, with particular focus on working together to increase their maritime security.
Mayer further said: “Australia and India share a commitment to a stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region.
“AUSINDEX is a terrific opportunity to increase our interoperability and enhance the professional interaction of two great navies.
“Amidst a very busy operational programme for the Indian Navy, I am pleased to welcome their ships to Fremantle and look forward to a challenging and rewarding sea programme.”
AUSINDEX is considered to be the centrepiece naval exercise held between the two nations and serves as a major component of the 2017 fleet programme.
The three Indian Navy vessels participating in the exercise are the multi-role frigate INS Shivalik, the Komandarm Fedko- class replenishment oiler INS Jyoti and anti-submarine stealth corvette INS Kamorta.
Australian Navy assets are represented by the ships HMAS Newcastle and HMAS Waller, along with the Australian Clearance Diving Team Four.
AUSINDEX is to be followed by the joint annual event Exercise Malabar, which is to be held north of Australia and will see participation from India, Japan and the US, reported ABC News.
Image: INS Shivalik. Photo: courtesy of Shiv Aroor / Wikipedia.
