New Delhi. 28 February 2022. VAdm Michael Noonan, Chief of Navy, Royal Australian Navy visited India from 25 – 28 Feb 22. The Admiral called on Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff on 28 Feb 22 at New Delhi. CoN RAN had earlier visited Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command (HQENC) at Visakhapatnam from 25 – 28 Feb 22 to participate in Indian Navy’s biennial multilateral naval exercise MILAN 22. The Admiral was also a Guest Speaker during the International Maritime Seminar of MILAN 22.
Among issues discussed during the interaction were avenues to strengthen the growing cooperation between the two nations and navies, deal with challenges emerging on the maritime front, and enhance collaboration and interoperability to ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The Admiral was provided a broad overview of regional security dynamics and the operational aspects in recent times, particularly those related to delivering Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Friendly Foreign Countries, conducting counter piracy operations, enhancing maritime safety and security in the region, and strengthening foreign cooperation, with special emphasis on IN – RAN cooperation.
CoN RAN’s visit was an important event in the continued and regular dialogue between Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy to cement and strengthen their comprehensive global strategic partnership further. Previsouly, the respective Principals had signed ‘Joint Guidance for Australia – India Navy to Navy Relationship’ in Aug 21. Terms of Reference for the Conduct of Navy to Navy Talks between the two Navies were signed in Sep 21.
