Malabar Exercises

What is Malabar Exercise?

The Malabar Exercise is a war-gaming naval exercise that was started in 1992. It is a multilateral naval exercise. The editions of the activities were initiated in 1995 and 1996. After this incident, nuclear tests were broken in India. However, since 2002 the exercise has been organized every year. Though it started with the collaboration with the US, later other countries began to join in the program. Japan and Australia participated in the naval exercise in 2007. From 2014 onward, Japan and the United States were the constant participants of this exercise. Japan joined the multilateral navy program as a permanent member in 2015. 

This year the Navy has announced the 25th edition of the maritime operation includes Anti-surface anti-submarine warfare tactics. Moreover, it marks one of the most extraordinary naval security operations. This exercise is crucial to nurture foreign relations and strengthen strategic partnerships among the global powers. From 1992, the activity has been continuously practised at different coastlines of the participant countries. This year the exercise will be conducted on the 26th of August. Apart from this program, India has undertaken multiple naval expeditions. To name a few, last year, the Indian Navy had organized a passage exercise with Japan, Australia, and the United States. However, due to the advent of the pandemic situation, the organizers had adopted a ‘no contact at sea format’.

Malabar Exercise 2021

In 2021, the exercise was organized in two distinctive phases. The first operation was chosen on the coast of Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal. The second phase was conducted in the Arabian Sea. It was held in November 2021. In 2018 the practice was conducted in the Philippine Sea and, in 2019, on the coast of Japan. Last year, the joint operations were led by India’s Vikramaditya Carrier Battle Group and the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group of the United States.

Last year, the expedition achieved a more significant milestone. It was the first four-quad navy exercise. 

A brief history of Malabar Exercise

Last year, the naval drills took place off the coastline of the Bay of Bengal. In addition, the Joint Logistics Assistance Contract (MLSA) permits troops from both nations to utilize each other’s facilities for supply maintenance, replenishment, and facilitating the expansion of total defense cooperation.

•       It began around 1992 as just a joint operation between both the Indian and United States fleets
•       In 2015, Japan participated in the Malabar Exercise
•       Australia participated with India, America, and Japan within the Malabar Exercise 2020 session across the Indian Ocean, which is designed to improve the four countries’ military ties during heightened concerns with China
•       For the first occasion in over 13 years, every representative of this Quad regional organization will engage militarily

The Indian Navy has participated in multiple Passage Operations (PASSEX) along with forces from Australia, Japan, and the United States. However, those are simple operations to improve navies’ operational capability, whereas Malabar features realistic war games.Blue Dot Network: It’s a pretty new idea. It was introduced in 2019 during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting in Bangkok. It is a US-led program that also includes Japan as well as Australia. Its salient points are to promote long-term funding of initiatives across the globe. It is considered opposed to China’s One Belt One Road initiative, which some view as an instance of financial trapping. The United States has encouraged India to participate in this project, which India is seriously analysing.Way Forward: The emerging scenario inside the Indo-Pacific area due to China’s rising military strength has now become a key topic of discussion among the world’s major countries. The Americans have recommended establishing a Quad to counter China’s growing aggressiveness.

Conclusion

The engagement of the Malabar Exercise amplifies the bilateral logistic agreements, navy agreements and information sharing pacts. Countries across the world require Naval agreements for enhancing bureaucratic arrangements. The development of logical foreign relations and operational strategies help to gain foreign ties and values. It includes information on military affairs, naval assets, and assessment of maritime activities. Take a glance at the few important pointers on the topic.