In pursuit of India's Act East policy and outreach to friendly countries, the Indian Navy's Offshore Patrol Vessel Sumitra, has reached Darwin, Australia today. The ship is on her return passage to India after participating in the Royal New Zealand Navy International Naval Review 2016. <br/><br/>The three day visit aims at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing maritime security cooperation between the two countries. During Patrol Vessels' stay in harbour, various activities are planned towards enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding between the two navies such as professional interactions with Royal Australian Navy and discussions towards further enhancing inter-operability.<br/><br/> In addition, calls on senior government and military authorities, sporting and cultural interactions and sharing of best practices would also be undertaken. On departure, the ship would also undertake a Passage Exercise with Royal Australian Navy ships.<br/><br/> Sumitra, is the fourth of the Saryu class ships, based on an indigenous design. Since commissioning in 2014, the ship has been deployed for multiple operational tasks, the most notable being Operation Rahat, which entailed the evacuation of personnel of various nationalities from war-torn Yemen in 2015.