Vishakapatnam, Mar 1: The top navy officials from US and Australia, who are on a visit to India for multilateral Milan Exercise, discussed ways to strengthen the growing cooperation between the two nations and navies in a separate meeting with Indian Navy officials. Among the matters discussed, one of them was to enhance collaboration and interoperability to ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

 

 

Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, Chief of Navy, Royal Australian Navy was provided a broad overview of regional security dynamics and the operational aspects in recent times. It consisted particularly those related to delivering Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Friendly Foreign Countries, conducting counter piracy operations, enhancing maritime safety and security in the region, and strengthening foreign cooperation, with special emphasis on IN – RAN cooperation.

 

His visit was an important event in the continued and regular dialogue between the Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy to cement and strengthen their comprehensive global strategic partnership further. Previously, the respective Principals had signed ‘Joint Guidance for Australia – India Navy to Navy Relationship’ in Aug 21. Terms of Reference for the Conduct of Navy to Navy Talks between the two Navies were signed in Sep 21.

 

Adm Samuel J Paparo, Cdr PACFLT, US Navy, was also a Guest Speaker during the International Maritime Seminar of MILAN 22. The Ministry of Defence said, "India and USA have traditionally maintained close and friendly relations. The Defence relationship between the two countries has been one of mutual trust and confidence, which has transformed after the accord of major ‘Defence Partner Status’ to India in Jun 16."

 

 

The Indian Navy closely cooperates with the US Navy on numerous issues, which include operational interactions such as the MALABAR and RIMPAC series of exercises, training exchanges, exchange of White Shipping Information and Subject Matter Experts in various fields, all of which are coordinated through the medium of Executive Steering Group (ESG) meetings conducted annually. In addition, warships from both Navies regularly make port calls at each other’s ports. Both Navies have also been cooperating towards exploring new avenues for collaboration with a shared aim of a ‘Free, Open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

 

 

His visit was also an important event in the continued and regular dialogue between India and the US to cement and strengthen their comprehensive global strategic partnership further. Previously, Adm John C Aquilino, Cdr USINDOPACOM and Adm Michael Gilday, CNO US Navy had visited India in Aug and Oct 21.