The exercise serves as a platform to build mutual trust among participating nations
With the 28th edition of Exercise Malabar, a prominent multinational maritime exercise, commenced with an opening ceremony held onboard Indian Naval Ship (INS) Satpura in Visakhapatnam on October 9, 2024, the stage is set for naval forces from India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, to highlight their commitment to ensuring maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Hosted under the aegis of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command (ENC), the 10-day exercise runs from October 8 to October 18, 2024. 

The opening ceremony, presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, saw attendance from senior naval officials and dignitaries from participating nations. Among the prominent attendees were General Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff of Japan; Admiral Stephen Koehler, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet; Vice Admiral Katsushi Omachi, Commander-in-Chief of Japan Self Defense Fleet; and Rear Admiral Chris Smith, Commander of the Australian Fleet.

In his opening address, Vice Admiral Pendharkar emphasized the importance of Exercise Malabar in enhancing interoperability and cooperation among the participating navies. “Malabar 2024 reaffirms the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime security and cooperation among like-minded nations in the Indo-Pacific,” he said. “Our joint efforts aim to enhance operational synergy and foster stronger bonds of friendship. Together, we look towards safeguarding our shared values and achieving peace and stability in the region,” he added.

Exercise Malabar, which began as a bilateral naval exercise between India and the United States in 1992, has expanded over the years to include Japan and Australia. This year marks the fifth occasion when all four nations have participated together, showcasing their collective capabilities and advancing the integration of advanced warfare tactics. The inclusion of Japan and Australia in the exercise has transformed Malabar into a key platform for regional maritime cooperation, demonstrating a united front in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Admiral Stephen Koehler, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, reiterated the significance of the exercise: “Malabar is a great example of a combined team operating together to deter conflict and reinforce our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Our navies train together in the Indian Ocean to strengthen our combat readiness, maritime integration, and interoperability.”

Four Navies Come Together for an Array of Complex Drills
 Malabar 2024 will be conducted in two phases: a harbour phase and an at-sea phase in the Bay of Bengal. The exercise will feature an array of complex drills, including surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare operations. Participating navies will engage in joint maneuvers and live weapon firings, aiming to enhance tactical integration and operational synergy.

The at-sea phase will witness the deployment of various naval assets, including destroyers, frigates, corvettes, and fleet support ships, along with long-range maritime patrol aircraft, jet aircraft, helicopters, and submarine assets. Notable vessels participating this year include India’s INS Delhi (D 61), Japan’s Murasame-class destroyer JS Ariake (DD 109), the U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), and Australia’s Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart (FFH 153).

Vice Admiral Katsushi Omachi of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force expressed optimism about the exercise, stating, “Malabar will contribute to peace, stability, and a rules-based maritime order, leading to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The collaboration between Japan, the U.S., India, and Australia is stronger than ever, and I am confident that the multilateral bonds among our navies will deepen.”

Aligned with India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision, Exercise Malabar reflects the country’s commitment to fostering regional maritime cooperation. India’s leadership role in this year’s exercise underscores its growing influence and proactive engagement with international maritime partners.

The exercise serves as a platform to build mutual trust and ensure operational readiness among participating forces. Australia’s Joint Force Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Jonathan Ley, noted, “Exercise Malabar is a significant Indo-Pacific maritime activity that deepens interoperability and collaboration among key regional partners. Australia is proud to participate in Malabar 2024, which aligns with our ongoing regional presence and engagement program.”

Evolving Dynamics of Defence Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
 The four-nation participation in Malabar showcases the evolving dynamics of defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Australia rejoined the exercise in 2020, further expanding its scope and complexity. Over the years, Malabar has included a range of operations such as fighter combat from aircraft carriers, anti-submarine warfare, counter-piracy operations, and cross-deck helicopter landings.

The exercise’s lead nation rotates annually among the participating countries, with the location also varying. This year, India assumes the lead role, demonstrating its capability to conduct large-scale multinational drills and its influence in promoting peace and security in the region.

The exercise is set to conclude on October 18, 2024, with the participating navies aiming to achieve greater cohesion and preparedness in maritime operations. As the Indo-Pacific remains a focal point of global strategic interest, Exercise Malabar 2024 stands as a testament to the collective resolve of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia in maintaining a secure and stable maritime environment.

Vice Admiral Pendharkar’s closing remarks at the opening ceremony reflected optimism for the future of Exercise Malabar: “As we navigate through this edition of Malabar, we aim to build upon the legacy of cooperation and achieve new milestones in operational synergy. Together, we will safeguard our shared values and work towards a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

The Malabar exercises continue to be a crucial platform for enhancing maritime partnerships and ensuring the security of sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific, contributing significantly to the regional and global maritime order.