Indian Navy ships arrive in Australia for drills

An Indian Navy task group of three ships sailed into Fremantle, Australia, to participate in a week-long naval exercise off the Western Australian coast.

Exercise Australia India is a regular bilateral maritime exercise aimed at developing a deeper understanding and cooperation between the two navies.

Prior to arriving to Australia, frigate INS Shivalik, corvette INS Kamorta and oiler INS Jyoti participated in South China Sea exercises with Singapore as part of their deployment to South East Asia and Southern Indian Ocean.

Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, said the exercise was a concrete example of India and Australia working more closely together to increase maritime security.

“Australia and India share a commitment to a stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region,” Rear Admiral Mayer said.

“Exercise Australian India is a terrific opportunity to increase our interoperability and enhance the professional interaction of two great navies.

“Amidst a very busy operational program for the Indian Navy, I am pleased to welcome their ships to Fremantle and look forward to a challenging and rewarding sea program.

“The exercise is the centerpiece naval exercise held between Australia and India and is an important component of this year’s fleet program,” Rear Admiral Mayer said.

Royal Australian Navy assets taking part in the exercise include HMA ships Newcastle and Waller and Clearance Diving Team Four.