Malabar 2024: Quad Nations Unite in Maritime Exercise

The 28th edition of Malabar 2024, a multi-national maritime exercise, took place from October 8-18, 2024, in Visakhapatnam, India. The event, aligned 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.

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:

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

Activities:

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

Assets Deployed:

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:

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)

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