The Indian Navy completed the Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Royal Australian Navy on Saturday. INS Sumedha participated in the exercise alongside HMAS Anzac, demonstrating the nations’ close connections and good interoperability. During the drill, the two sides performed a cross-deck helicopter landing, tactical manoeuvres, and a farewell steam pass. The Indian Navy Spokesperson commented on Twitter, “#Bridges of Friendship grow stronger.”
#BridgesofFriendship grow stronger#INSSumedha on completion of the visit participated in #MaritimePartnershipExercise with @Australian_Navy ship HMAS Anzac.
Helo Cross deck ops, tactical manoeuvres & a farewell steam past.#interoperability@INEasternNaval1 @HCICanberra pic.twitter.com/MtLBglISok— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 20, 2022
On Monday, August 15, the Indian Navy’s INS Sumedha docked in Perth, Australia, to honour India’s 76th Independence Day. To honour the spirit of freedom on that day, a flag-hoisting ceremony aboard the ship was organised in the presence of veterans and Australian Defense Force leaders.
INS Sumedha used for variety of tasks both independently and in support of fleet operations
Furthermore, as part of the Indian Navy’s operational deployment, INS Sumedha has been dispatched to the South Eastern Indian Ocean. She is included in the Indian Navy’s plan to raise the “Tiranga” as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav programme on all continents (apart from Antarctica).
INS Sumedha, an indigenously built naval offshore patrol vessel, is employed for a range of operations both independently and in support of Fleet Operations. She is part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, which is based in Visakhapatnam, and is commanded by the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Comma.
Furthermore, the INS Sumedha’s visit underscores India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, as well as the two nations’ shared aspirations to maintain maritime peace and the Indian Navy’s commitment to cultivating goodwill and expanding collaboration with friendly maritime nations.
It is consistent with the Joint Guidance provided by the heads of both fleets in August 2021, according to the paper, and it promotes the two countries’ “2020 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
India-Australia ties
India and Australia have deep links and many similarities that could serve as a foundation for expanded collaboration and intricate engagement, akin to what India has built with other Western nations. According to a statement from India’s Minister of External Affairs, the connection has strengthened and grown more significant since India’s economic reforms in the 1990s, and it has advanced quickly in all sectors – commerce, energy and mining, science and technology, information technology, education, and defence.
Defence cooperation between India and Australia has grown dramatically in recent years. The two countries have signed a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation and a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation. Regular Naval, Air Force, and Army talks, combined naval exercises, and frequent exchanges at each other’s training centres and seminars are just a few of the many interactions between the nations.