New Delhi, 11 September (H.S.): Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has concluded his visit to Australia and has now departed for New Zealand. During the visit, he held discussions with senior Australian defence and naval leadership, including Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), Admiral Mark Hammond, and Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Admiral Matthew Buckley. The discussions focused on the growing strategic depth of the India-Australia defence partnership.

The Navy Chief’s visit to Australia from September 9 to 11 was aimed at further strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy, as well as advancing the expanding India-Australia defence and maritime partnership. During the visit, progress made in bilateral maritime cooperation was reviewed. In Canberra, the Navy Chief received a warm traditional welcome at Russell Offices, which included a smoking ceremony showcasing Australia’s Indigenous heritage, followed by a ceremonial Guard of Honour.

During his discussions with Royal Australian Navy Chief Admiral Matthew Buckley, the two naval chiefs discussed ways to further enhance interoperability and operational engagement through a series of exercises planned for 2027. Admiral Swaminathan also met Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral Mark Hammond. The discussions focused on implementing the maritime security cooperation roadmap and identifying opportunities to strengthen interoperability and cooperation in the maritime domain.

Ahead of the Canberra engagements, the Navy Chief also held discussions in Sydney with Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Anita Williams at HMAS Kuttabul. The discussions covered the evolving fleet capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy, future inductions into the fleet, and opportunities to enhance interoperability and operational engagement between the two navies. Admiral Swaminathan was also given a tour of HMAS Kuttabul, where he was briefed on its fleet infrastructure and operational capabilities.

The Navy Chief also addressed students of the Australian Command and Staff Course at the Australian Defence College in Canberra. He shared his perspectives on the evolving maritime and strategic environment and contemporary security challenges. He also interacted with officers from the Indian Defence Forces currently undertaking courses at the college.

During the visit, Admiral Swaminathan paid tribute at the Australian War Memorial, honouring the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives in service. The visit provided an opportunity to review ongoing bilateral naval cooperation between India and Australia and identify ways to further strengthen operational interaction, interoperability and maritime cooperation between the two countries.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar