In news: The 26th edition of Exercise Malabar culminated in the seas off the coast of Japan.
It was hosted by the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF)
25th edition was hosted by the US Navy in the Western Pacific.
About Exercise Malabar:
Malabar series of exercises began in 1992 as a maritime drill between Navies of India and the US.
In 2015, the Japan (JMSDF) joined Exercise Malabar as a permanent member. The 2020 edition witnessed the participation of the Royal Australian Navy.
The 26th edition is quadrilateral maritime drill among the navies of the Quad countries — India, the United States, Japan and Australia.
The exercise aimed at cooperation in the strategically significant Indo-Pacific region, through improved interoperability with the partner navies.
In the 26th edition
The Indian Navy was represented by Eastern Fleet, led by its Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla.
The Indian contingent was represented by stealth multirole frigate INS Shivalik and anti-submarine corvette INS Kamorta.
‘War at Sea’ exercise
Exchange of ‘Sea Riders’
Significance: Apart from operational drills and exercises, the bilateral logistics support agreements between the participating countries were validated.
