Both India and Australia have a role to play in the Indo-Pacific region in maintaining peace and keeping the waters secure for safe movement of ships, and the ongoing third joint naval exercise AUSINDEX-19 is step towards firming that relationship and cause, according to Rear Admiral Suraj Berry, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet.

He was addressing a press conference with Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead, the Commander of the Australian Royal Navy, here on Friday, as part of the joint exercise.

Agreeing with Rear Admiral Berry, the Commander of Australian Royal Navy Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead, said that both the countries shared common views when it came to safety and security and negating any form of threat be it terrorism, piracy or marine pollution.

Giving details of the exercise, Rear Admiral Berry said that the first harbour phase that began on April 2 would end on April 6, which would be followed by a sea phase from April 7 to 11 and a second harbour phase from 7 to 11.

About 2,000 men, women and officers are participating in the joint exercise, which include ships from the Australian Navy such as HMAS Canberra, an Amphibious Assault Ship; HMAS New Castle and HMAS Paramatta, both frigates; HMAS Collins, a conventional submarine and HMAS Success, a replenishment tanker.