Australian PM Albanese becomes 1st foreign PM to set foot aboard India's INS Vikrant

For the first time ever, India's indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant welcomed a foreign dignatory — Australian Prime minister Anthony Albanese on March 9, 2023, the Navy said.

Albanese was received onboard Vikrant by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar with a Guard of Honour, it said in a release.

"I am honoured to be here today on the newly-commissioned, Indian-designed and manufactured INS Vikrant at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. My visit reflects my government's commitment to place India at the heart of Australia's approach to the Indo-Pacific and beyond," Albanese said in a statement.

Speaking onboard INS Vikrant in Mumbai, he also said that India will for the first time participate in Australia's multinational Talisman Sabre exercise.

“I am pleased to announce formally, aboard the magnificent INS Vikrant, that later this year Australia will host Exercise Malabar for the first time and India will – also for the first time – participate in Australia's Talisman Sabre exercise,” he said.