The Royal Australian Navy successfully conducted training and engagement with the Indian Navy from November 18 to 20 in the western Pacific Ocean for AUSINDEX 25.

The exercise involved HMAS Ballarat and Indian Navy Shivalik-class frigate INS Sahyadri conducting serials focused on surface and air warfare, seamanship, aviation operations and personnel exchanges.

AUSINDEX is held every two years and is concentrated on enhancing interoperability between the Australian and Indian navies. It also allows sailors from both navies to share best practices.

Commanding Officer Ballarat Commander Dean Uren emphasised the importance of the India-Australia relationship.

“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,” Commander 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.” 

This year marked the fifth year since Australia and India elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, where both nations agreed to boost cooperation in the maritime domain.

This concept, encapsulated in a Joint Declaration on a Shared Vision for Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, facilitates deeper engagement between the two nations, including maritime domain awareness and expanded linkages between the maritime agencies.

“Exercises like AUSINDEX highlight the commitment of Australia and like-minded partners to regional security, stability and prosperity,” Commander Uren said.

“They also enable us to enhance Australia’s reputation as a partner of choice in the region.”

AUSINDEX is the final international engagement activity for Ballarat and her crew as part of their three-month regional presence deployment throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Ballarat will return to her home port of Fleet Base West in Western Australia in early December, having conducted a range of engagements, exercises and cooperative activities with 10 partner and allied nations.