Navy deploys two ships, patrol aircraft in France-led exercise in Eastern Indian Ocean

Australia, Japan and U.S. are also participating to showcase high levels of synergy

The Navy has deployed two ships and a P-8I long range maritime patrol aircraft for the France-led multi-lateral maritime exercise La Pérouse which began in the Eastern Indian Ocean on Monday. The exercise also includes other countries of the Quadrilateral grouping Australia, Japan and the U.S. with India participating for the first time. Separately, a multinational military exercise Shantir Ogroshena 2021 began in Bangladesh on Sunday in which an Army contingent of 30 personnel is participating. “The exercise will showcase high levels of synergy, coordination and inter-operability between the friendly navies. Participation by the Navy in the exercise demonstrates the shared values with friendly navies ensuring freedom of seas and commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order,” the Navy said in a statement on La Pérouse.