Malabar 2024: Quad Nations Unite in Maritime Exercise

Overview and Significance

• 28th edition of Malabar, a multi-national maritime exercise
• Held from October 8-18, 2024, in Visakhapatnam, India
• Participants: India (host), United States, Japan, Australia
• Opening ceremony aboard INS Satpura on October 9, 2024
• Aligns with India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)
• Aims to enhance interoperability and foster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific

Historical Context and Evolution

• Initiated in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the US
• Japan joined in 2015, Australia in 2020 (participated earlier in 2007)
• Now a Quad naval exercise, reflecting stronger ties among member nations
• 5th time all four Quad nations participating together
• Exercise location and lead rotates annually among participating countries

Exercise Details and Participation

Structure:

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• Two phases: Harbor and Sea exercises
• Harbor phase for planning and fraternity building
• Sea phase for combat exercises in the Bay of Bengal

Activities:

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• Live weapon firings
• Complex surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare drills
• Joint maneuvers and tactical exercises

Assets Deployed:

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• Total of 8 ships and about 12 aircraft from four nations
• India: INS Delhi (guided-missile destroyer) and support ships, P-8I Poseidon aircraft
• US: USS Dewey (Arleigh Burke-class destroyer), P-8 Poseidon aircraft
• Japan: JS Ariake (Murasame-class destroyer)
• Australia: HMAS Stuart (Anzac-class frigate), P-8A Poseidon aircraft

Key Officials Present:

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• Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar (India, Eastern Naval Command)
• Admiral Stephen Koehler (US, Commander Pacific Fleet)
• Rear Admiral Chris Smith (Australia, Commander Australian Fleet)
• General Yoshihide Yoshida (Japan, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff)
• Vice Admiral Katsushi Omachi (Japan, Commander Self-Defense Fleet)