Australia, India, Japan, and the US, collectively known as the “Quad,” have commenced the 28th Malabar Naval Exercises.
Initially launched as a bilateral naval drill along India’s Malabar Coast between the US and India in 1992, the exercise has since expanded to include Australia and Japan, fostering greater cooperation on shared maritime concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.
Each country’s special operations forces are participating in the joint exercises alongside Australia’s HMAS Stuart, MH-60R helicopter, and P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, Japan’s JS Ariake, and the US’ USS Dewey, integral helicopter, and P-8.
Meanwhile, India has deployed the INS Delhi, INS Tabar, INS Kadmatt, INS Kamorta, INS Shakti, and P-8I, among other naval platforms.
With India as the host nation, the allied vessels convened at the port city of Visakhapatnam near the Bay of Bengal.
The Quad will engage in various operations — including anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and joint tactical maneuvers — in two stages: the Harbor Phase from October 8 to 12 and the Sea Phase from October 13 to 18.
This display of maritime cooperation aims to boost interoperability among the participating countries while promoting a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” amid rising maritime threats from China.
