New Delhi: The Indian Naval Ship INS Sahyadri and the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Ballarat took part in the bilateral maritime Exercise AUSINDEX 2025, conducting a series of coordinated drills in the Northern Pacific.
According to the Indian Navy, both navies deployed warships and aircraft for the exercise, focusing on enhancing interoperability and strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Australia.
“Indian Navy’s indigenously built stealth warship INS Sahyadri, as part of its ongoing operational deployment, participated in bilateral exercise AUSINDEX2025 alongside HMAS Ballarat,” the Navy said in a statement shared on X. The spokesperson added that the two sides engaged in “intense joint naval drills and operations” designed to improve coordinated maritime capability.
INS Sahyadri, a guided-missile stealth frigate, is a flagship example of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing. It routinely participates in major international exercises and multilateral deployments.
Earlier this month, INS Sahyadri arrived in Guam for Exercise Malabar, held from November 10 to 18, involving the navies of India, Japan, Australia and the United States. During the sea phase from November 13 to 17, the ship took part in anti-submarine warfare exercises, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations, live gunnery drills, underway replenishment, and cross-deck helicopter operations.
The Indian Navy said personnel from participating fleets also exchanged Sea Riders to share best practices and enhance mutual understanding. The harbour phase included joint operational discussions, ship visits and sports fixtures among crews from the four nations, strengthening camaraderie and cooperation.
