Royal Australian Navy Delegation Visits Western Naval Command Headquarters in Mumbai

A five-member delegation from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), led by Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, Chief of RAN, paid a visit to the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command (WNC) in Mumbai.

The delegation engaged in discussions with Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, AVSM, NM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, covering topics of mutual interest and interoperability between the two Navies. They were briefed on the roles and responsibilities of the Western Naval Command, as well as the current challenges in the maritime domain. Additionally, they received an overview of the activities of the Western Fleet, particularly in light of the security situation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Furthermore, the delegation had the opportunity to tour an indigenously built destroyer and a submarine at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

During their visit to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), the delegation was acquainted with the yard’s capabilities and ongoing projects for the Indian Navy.

India and Australia share a robust relationship in maritime dialogue and various Navy-to-Navy interactions, supported by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation in force since 2014. In June 2020, both nations elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Consequently, naval cooperation between the two maritime nations has flourished significantly over time.

The recent visit by the RAN delegation is anticipated to further fortify the bilateral ties between the two navies. Both Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries uphold similar perspectives on stability, peace, and growth, which serve as pivotal factors in fostering cultural and diplomatic exchanges.