Australian Navy completes regional passage exercise with India

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Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC

Minister for Defence


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Ben Martin (Minister Reynolds’ Office): +61 447 219 902
Nicky Hamer (Minister Reynolds’ Office): +61 437 989 927
Defence Media: media@defence.gov.au

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25 September 2020

The Royal Australian Navy and the Indian Navy demonstrated their interoperability during a recent passage exercise in the Northeast Indian Ocean.

HMAS Hobart sailed in company with INS Sahyadri and Karmuk, highlighting the close working relationship between the Royal Australian Navy and the Indian Navy.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, said the successful exercise with India reflects the strength of the countries’ relationship as Comprehensive Strategic Partners.

“We continue to enhance our engagement with like-minded countries, such as India, in support of a shared vision for a more secure, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Minister Reynolds said.

“Our Defence relationship with India is at an historic high point after the Prime Ministers’ Virtual Summit earlier this year, and I look forward to further developing our comprehensive partnership into the future.”

The engagement provided both nations with an opportunity to practice a range of naval activities, including combined manoeuvres and surface warfare serials.

The passage exercise is part of the Royal Australian Navy’s Regional Presence Deployment through Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

The activity was conducted in accordance with COVID-19 safety measures.

Images for media use available at: https://images.defence.gov.au/S20203032

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