First bilateral exercise a success

The inaugural bilateral maritime exercise between India and Australia, AUSINDEX15, has concluded 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 by the Australian and Indian Prime Ministers, Abbott and Modi, in 2014.
 
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.
 
“India remains one of Australia’s key security partners in the Indian Ocean and Asia-Pacific,” Rear Admiral Mead said.
 
“We have mutual interests in promoting peace and prosperity in the region.”
 
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.
 
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.
 
Media note:
Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20152510
 
Vision will be fed to the Parliamentary Press Gallery this morning.
 
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999