Visakhapatnam: 'AUSINDEX' aims to strengthen peace in Indo-Pacific region

Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy Task Group comprising INS Shivalik and Kadmatt, under the command of Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet, Rear Admiral Tarun Sobti is participating in the fourth edition of AUSINDEX.

The maritime exercise that continues till September 10, aims to further consolidate shared commitment to regional and global security challenges promoting peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac Class Frigate, HMAS Warramunga, which participated in exercise MALABAR along with the IN units is also part of the exercise. This edition of AUSINDEX includes complex surface, sub-surface and air operations between ships, submarines, helicopters and long range maritime patrol aircraft of the participating navies.

The participating Indian Naval Ships Shivalik and Kadmatt are the latest indigenously designed and built Guided Missile Stealth Frigate and Anti-Submarine Corvette respectively. They form part of the Indian Navy's Eastern fleet based at Visakhapatnam under the Eastern Naval Command.

Commenced in 2015 as a bilateral IN-RAN maritime exercise, AUSINDEX has grown in complexity over the years.

In the fourth edition, the surface units of both the countries will be exercising with HMAS Rankin, a Collins Class Australian Submarine, Royal Australian Air Force P-8A and F-18A aircraft, along with integral helicopters of both the navies.

The exercise will provide an opportunity for both the navies to further bolster interoperability, gain from best practices and develop a common understanding of procedures for maritime security operations.

The exercise is a true representation of joint guidance signed by the Chief of the Naval Staff, IN and Chief of Navy, RAN on August 18 and aligned to the '2020 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' between the two nations.