The Indian Army men's rowing squad got to test their mettle down under at the National Rowing Championships in Tasmania from March 24-30.
The squad, called Army Rowing Node India, placed 7th out of hundreds of clubs - the best result from an overseas team.
From top universities to those with a prestigious pedigree, the 16 Indian rowers were a familiar sight on the podium throughout the week-long regatta at the Lake Barrington International Rowing Course.
In an event where Olympians mingle and compete with students, the Indian rowers may have spotted a few familiar faces from the international circuit.
Lieutenant Ben Page, who was part of the ADF squad hosting the Indian rowers, said many of the Indian crew were Olympic-level competitors.
He said nearly everyone in their crew walked away with at least one medal, with an almost clean sweep of lightweight events and a silver in men's open eight race, where rowers of any weight category compete.
"We were phenomenally impressed by their performance," Lieutenant Page said.
"They were excellent ambassadors of their country and their military."
It was the first time Army Rowing Node India competed in the Australian Rowing Championships, which often welcome international competitors by invitation.
Defence rowers have been invited to compete in the Indian equivalent later this year.
Lieutenant Page said the relationship speaks to the growing bonds between the two militaries.
"You don't build friends in a crisis," he said.
"Sport is something we have in common and it shows the strength of our relationship at a personable level as well as at the top."
This year's regatta was the largest with more than 2000 athletes travelling to Tasmania.
Sydney Rowing Club came out on top, dominating the field ahead of the second-placed Melbourne University and Mercantile Rowing Club, also from Melbourne.
