The inaugural bilateral maritime exercise between India and Australia, AUSINDEX15, has concluded September 19, in Visakhapatnam, India.
The activity brought together ships and aircraft from both countries to strengthen defence co-operation under the Framework for Security Cooperation announced in 2014 by the Australian and Indian Prime Ministers, Abbott and Modi.
Head Navy Capability, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead, was on location in India for part of the exercise and said the relationship between the two militaries was strategically significant.
Three Royal Australian Navy vessels and a Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C made the passage to India for the inaugural biennial exercise. HMA Ships Sirius and Arunta and Submarine Sheean successfully trained with Indian Navy Ships Shivalik, Ranvijayi and Shakti, along with P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft during the week-long activity.
The exercise started with briefings and practical demonstrations ashore, before progressing to sea for surface and anti-submarine warfare and coordinated anti-submarine exercises.
AUSINDEX15 is expected to be held every two years.
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Image: Australian Navy