Indo-Pacific Endeavour has returned to India for the third time, engaging in military-to-military exchanges, volunteer work in the community and concluding the regional partnership activities by sailing in company with Indian Navy ships.
Army-to-Army engagement was one of the key focuses, with Australian soldiers joining their Indian counterparts for amphibious training and a session on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
Australian Army officer Captain Shaun Montgomery said both sides exchanged ‘lessons learned’ from HADR activities they have been involved in.
“We were just two partners being open and honest about our experiences and adding a new lens to how each country operates to support HADR and defense aid to the civil community,” Captain Montgomery said.
“Both of our defense forces have significant experience in this area, so it was a positive exchange. The conversation was flowing.”