In a step to bolster maritime cooperation, the 16th Bharatiya Navy-Australian Navy Staff Talks concluded successfully in Kochi on Tuesday. Rear Admiral Nirbhay Bapna from the Bharatiya Navy and Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley from the Royal Australian Navy co-chaired the talks, marking a milestone in the collaboration between the two naval forces.
The discussions primarily focused on enhancing operational interoperability, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), and exploring new avenues of cooperation in maritime partnerships. Both sides expressed commitment to deepening ties and strengthening their collaborative efforts in the maritime domain.
The talks underscored the growing strategic noteworthiness of cooperation between Bharat and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region. By bridging oceans, the navies aim to ensure security, stability, and promote prosperity and peace in the region.
Earlier, on May 12, INS Kiltan arrived at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, receiving a warm welcome from the Vietnam People’s Navy and Bharatiya Embassy. This visit, part of the Operational Deployment of the Bharatiya Navy’s Eastern Fleet, is poised to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Bharat and Vietnam.
Bharat and Vietnam share a comprehensive strategic partnership. The visit by INS Kiltan is focused on activities including professional interactions, sporting events, social exchanges, and community outreach, reflecting the shared values of both navies.
The visit will conclude with a Maritime Partnership Exercise at sea between the Bharatiya Navy and Vietnam People’s Navy, enhancing interoperability and the exchange of best practices.
INS Kiltan, an indigenous ASW corvette, was designed by the Bharatiya Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. It is the third of four P28 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvettes.
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