The operations will include anti-submarine warfare and surface surveillance

The Indian Navy’s P8I Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft reached Australian city Darwin on Tuesday to participate in coordinated maritime operations such as anti-submarine warfare and surface surveillance, informed the Ministry of Defence.

According to the Ministry, the team of the Indian Navy's maritime patrol squadron, Albatross is scheduled to engage with its counterparts from the 92 Wing of the Royal Australian Air Force.

P8 aircraft from both the countries would be conducting coordinated operations in Anti-Submarine Warfare and surface surveillance to deepen maritime domain awareness.

Australia has P8A aircraft in its fleet. Both P8A and P8I, belong to the same P8 family of aircraft.

It may be noted that in recent times, increased interaction between the two maritime nations, through bilateral and multilateral exercises at sea, has enhanced inter-operability and fostered bridges of friendship.

The P8 aircraft, with their demonstrated long reach, have operated jointly during Malabar and AUSINDEX series of exercises, and have a common understanding of operating procedures and information sharing, the Ministry stated.

The maritime waters between Indonesia and Northern Australia are an area of mutual interest to both countries, being a gateway into the Indian Ocean region.

Both India and Australia share strategic interests, promoting a free and open Indo- Pacific and rules based order in the region, the ministry said. Both the countries are part of the Quad grouping along with the US and Japan.