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India and Australia are set to conduct multiple naval exercises and operational engagements in 2027 as the two countries seek to deepen interoperability and cooperation across the maritime domain amid growing strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific.
The issue figured prominently during Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan’s three-day visit to Australia from September 9 to 11, where he held talks with senior Australian defence and naval leadership, including Australian Chief of the Defence Force Admiral Mark Hammond and Royal Australian Navy Chief Vice Admiral Matthew Buckley.
The two Naval Chiefs reviewed the progress in bilateral naval cooperation and discussed opportunities to step up operational interaction, including through multiple exercise engagements planned for 2027.
Swaminathan’s talks with Hammond also focused on implementing the Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap, with both sides identifying areas where greater interoperability and practical cooperation could be developed across the maritime domain.
The engagements come as India and Australia continue to expand defence cooperation, with maritime security and naval interoperability emerging as key pillars of their strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific.
Earlier in Sydney, Swaminathan met Australian Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Anita Williams at HMAS Kuttabul. Discussions covered the Royal Australian Navy’s evolving fleet capabilities and planned future inductions, as well as opportunities for greater operational interaction between the two navies. He was also briefed on the fleet infrastructure and operational capabilities at HMAS Kuttabul.
In Canberra, the Navy Chief addressed officers attending the Australian Command and Staff Course at the Australian Defence College, sharing perspectives on the changing maritime and strategic environment and contemporary security challenges. He stressed the need for military leaders to remain adaptable, professionally curious and capable of critical thinking in an increasingly complex security environment.
Swaminathan also interacted with Indian armed forces officers undergoing courses at the college.
The visit gave both sides an opportunity to assess ongoing naval cooperation and identify areas to expand operational engagement, interoperability and maritime security cooperation.
The Indian Navy said the visit underscored the “strong and expanding” India–Australia maritime partnership and the commitment of the two navies to deepen operational cooperation in support of a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Team BharatShakti
