Context

• Recently, the third iteration of bilateral naval exercise, AUSINDEX, an acronym for Australia India Exercise, has been concluded (April 2-16) between India and Australia.
• The strategic trust on display, during this exercise, is representative of a deepening strategic alignment between these two countries.

About

Past :

• In November 2018, India announced the Australian infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific. This initiative will boost Australia’s support for infrastructure development in Pacific countries.

Present :

• This joint naval exercise strengthens the bilateral relationship between India and Australia.
• The aim of the exercise is, “To strengthen and enhance mutual cooperation and interoperability between the IN and RAN, providing opportunities for interaction and exchange of professional views between the personnel of the two navies”.
• This saw the largest ever defence peacetime deployment of Australia defence assets and personnel to India.
• The exercise was the most complex ever carried out between our defence forces. For the first time, Indian Navy undertook anti-submarine warfare exercises.
• This exercise showed trust and cooperation between these two nations as Indian and Australian maritime patrol P-8 aircraft flew coordinated missions over the Bay of Bengal.
• The Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command hosted an impressive array of high-end Australian military hardware, including the Royal Australian Navy’s flagship, HMAS Canberra and the submarine, HMAS Collins.

The Canberra is the size of a small aircraft carrier. It can carry over 1,000 troops and 16 helicopters. These vessels were joined by frigates, aircraft and around 1,200 sailors, soldiers and airmen and women.

 

Geo-political position of India and Australia :

• Both countries emphasizes on free, open and independent democracies, as champions of international law, as supporters of an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
• A key element of Australia’s Indo-Pacific strategy is partnering with India in the vibrant Indian Ocean region.
• India is a leader in this region and Australia is a natural partner for addressing shared challenges.

Significance of this exercise :

• To combat transnational crime, terrorism, people smuggling and illegal fishing.
• To enjoy a peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region.

As the nations with one of the largest Indian Ocean coastlines and with more than half of our goods trade departing Indian Ocean ports, Australia is committed to address humanitarian and environmental challenges in India’s Indian Ocean neighbourhood.

Other Steps taken by India :

• India will establish a Pacific Fusion centre to provide real-time surveillance data for countries across the region as well as enhancing policing and military training both bilaterally and through regional centres.

India will also build diplomatic and economic relationships with Southeast Asia Economic Governance and Infrastructure Initiative, which will help to unlock Southeast Asia’s next wave of economic growth.