The eastward current that forms the southern part of the subtropical gyre in the Indian Ocean. It is fed by the Agulhas Current and follows the subtropical front, gradually losing water to the subtropical gyre and Agulhas Current recirculation. East of Africa it begins with 60 Sv (60 × 10⁶ m³s⁻¹) and arrives off the coast of western Australia with 10 Sv, which continues as the West Australian Current. Cooling of the warm Agulhas Current water along its path makes the South Indian Ocean Current a heat source for the atmosphere.