India and Australia Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX): The Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) between the navies of India and Australia concluded on August 20, 2022.

Key Highlights:

• INS Sumedha, together with HMAS Anzac took part in the exercise, reaffirming the close ties and strong interoperability between the Indian Navy and Royal Australian Navy.
• The MPX included cross deck landing of helicopters, tactical manoeuvres and a farewell steam past.
• Indian Navy's INS Sumedha was docked at Perth in Australia to celebrate India's 76th Independence Day.
• On August 15, 2022 a flag-raising ceremony aboard the ship in the presence of veterans and Australian Defense Force commanders was planned to commemorate the spirit of independence.

About INS Sumedha:

• INS Sumedha is the third Saryu class patrol vessel of the Indian Navy.
• She is an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel deployed for multiple roles independently and in support of Fleet Operations.
• INS Sumedha was launched at Goa Shipyard on 21 May 2011, and was handed over to the Indian Navy on 11 March 2014.
• She has been designed and constructed indigenously by the Goa Shipyard Limited.
• She is part of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam and functions under Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
• She is designed to undertake fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance and monitoring of sea lines of communications and offshore assets and escort duties.
• She has been deployed to the South Eastern Indian Ocean as part of the Indian Navy's Operational Deployment.
• She is part of the Indian Navy's initiative to hoist 'Tiranga' on all continents (except Antarctica) as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.

Significance of India and Australia Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX):

• The INS Sumedha's visit highlights India's vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), as well as the shared objectives of the two countries towards maintaining peace and order in the maritime sphere and the Indian Navy's dedication to fostering goodwill and enhancing cooperation with friendly maritime nations.
• It is in consonance with Joint Guidance provided by the Chiefs of both the navies in August 2021 and is aligned to the '2020 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' between the two nations.
• It aims to further strengthen a shared commitment to addressing regional and global security issues while promoting Indo-Pacific peace, security, and stability.
• Both navies have been collaborating on various fronts and are playing a critical role in ensuring the safety of international maritime trade and working towards global commons.