New Delhi. The joint naval exercise between Indian Navy (IN) and Royal Australian Navy Passage Exercise (PASSEX) is underway in the East Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from September 23 to 24.

The exercise would involve participation of HMAS Hobart from the Australian side and Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Karmuk. In addition, an Indian MPA and helicopters from both sides were participating in the exercise.

The exercise, aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving understanding and imbibing best practices from each other, would involve advanced surface and anti-air exercises including weapon firings, seamanship exercises, naval manoeuvres and Cross Deck Flying Operations.

PASSEXs are regularly conducted by IN with units of friendly foreign navies, while visiting each other’s ports or during a rendezvous at sea. This exercise being conducted in the East Indian Ocean Region, reflects the growing strength of Indo-Australian bilateral relations as comprehensive strategic partners, particularly in defence cooperation in the maritime domain.

The exercise, which is in keeping with the strong bond shared by the two navies, would be another step towards strengthening Indo-Australia defence relations and the continued efforts of both Governments to work closely to enhance safety and security of the global commons in accordance with international regulations.

The two navies have built a robust relationship through regular exercises such as AUSINDEX conducted biennially.

In the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the exercise is being conducted strictly as a ‘non-contact activity’ and would not involve any physical contact between the participating personnel of the two navies.