Why in news?
The biennial maritime exercise AUSINDEX, jointly conducted by the Indian and Australian navies, concluded its 2025 edition in the western Pacific Ocean on 20 November 2025. The Indian Navy’s frigate INS Sahyadri and the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Ballarat undertook complex drills aimed at strengthening interoperability and highlighting the two nations’ commitment to a free and open Indo‑Pacific region.
Background
AUSINDEX began in 2015 as a bilateral exercise designed to enhance naval cooperation between India and Australia. It complements other multilateral engagements such as the Quad’s Malabar exercise. Over the years, AUSINDEX has grown in scope, encompassing anti‑submarine warfare, surface gunnery, air operations and personnel exchanges.
Highlights of AUSINDEX 2025
- Participants: INS Sahyadri (a stealth multi‑role frigate) joined HMAS Ballarat (an ANZAC‑class frigate) for three days of sea exercises. Aircraft from both navies provided air support.
- Drills: The ships practised surface and air warfare, anti‑submarine tactics, gunnery exercises and helicopter operations. Officers and sailors cross‑decked to experience each other’s procedures.
- Strategic context: The exercise took place soon after the Malabar drills, underscoring India and Australia’s desire to strengthen maritime partnerships amid evolving regional security dynamics. Australian commanders described India as a top‑tier security partner central to their Indo‑Pacific strategy.
Significance
- Enhanced interoperability: Regular joint training helps both navies understand each other’s tactics, communications and emergency procedures, improving coordination in real‑world missions such as search‑and‑rescue or anti‑piracy operations.
- Confidence‑building: Frequent interactions build trust and signal a shared commitment to maintaining a rules‑based order at sea.
- Regional stability: By operating together in international waters, India and Australia contribute to a balance of power that discourages unilateral actions and ensures freedom of navigation.
Conclusion
The successful completion of AUSINDEX 2025 showcases the deepening defence partnership between India and Australia. Through sustained cooperation and shared maritime values, the two countries aim to secure the Indo‑Pacific for everyone’s benefit.
Sources: Australian Department of Defence, The Economic Times
