First Australia-India maritime bilateral exercise declared a success

The inaugural bilateral maritime exercise between India and Australia, AUSINDEX15, has concluded in Visakhapatnam, India.

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The activity brought together ships and aircraft from both countries to strengthen defence co-operation under the Framework for Security Cooperation announced by the Australian and Indian Prime Ministers, Abbott and Modi, in 2014.

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Head Navy Capability, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead, AM, RAN, was on location in India for part of the exercise and said the relationship between the two militaries was strategically significant.

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"India remains one of Australia's key security partners in the Indian Ocean and Asia-Pacific," Rear Admiral Mead said.

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"We have mutual interests in promoting peace and prosperity in the region."

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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, Arunta and Sheean successfully trained with Indian Navy Ships Shivalik, Ranvijayi and Shakti, along with P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft during the week-long activity.

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The exercise started with briefings and practical demonstrations ashore, before progressing to sea for surface and anti-submarine warfare and coordinated anti-submarine exercises.