There is growing cooperation between the two Navies amid emerging maritime challenges

India and Australia have agreed to enhance collaboration and interoperability towards ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, the Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday.

The issue was discussed at the 14th IN - RAN Navy to Navy Staff Talks held in New Delhi from April 11-13. Besides maritime operations, information exchange and training was also taken up at the meeting.

Both sides also acknowledged the growing cooperation between the two Navies amid the emerging challenges on the maritime front.

The meeting was co-chaired by RAdm Christopher Smith, Deputy Chief of Navy, RAN and RAdm J Singh, ACNS (FCI), India. Cmde Stewart Dunne, Hydrographer to Government of Australia also attended the meeting, the defence ministry said.

The event witnessed active participation from Indian Navy and Royal Australian Navy, it mentioned.

On completion of 14th IN - RAN Staff Talks, RAdm Christopher Smith interacted with VAdm Sanjay Mahindru, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy, at South Block, New Delhi on Wednesday.