India is poised to host the prestigious Malabar exercise in the Bay of Bengal this year, involving the Quad nations—the United States, Japan, and Australia. This comes amidst China’s ongoing assertive activities in the South China Sea and its expanding strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Malabar Exercise
The 28th edition of the Malabar exercise, scheduled for October on India’s eastern seaboard, will emphasize advanced anti-submarine warfare. The primary goal is to enhance military interoperability among the four participating countries. The exercise will feature complex surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare drills, along with joint maneuvers and advanced tactical exercises to refine war-fighting skills. Currently, there are no plans to invite additional countries to participate.
Originating as a bilateral exercise between India and the US in 1992, the Malabar exercise now includes Japan and Australia as regular participants. Last year’s exercise was conducted off Sydney, while Japan hosted it off Yokosuka in 2022.
The upcoming Malabar exercise will follow closely after India hosts its first major multi-nation air combat exercise, Tarang Shakti, in August-September. This exercise will include air forces from the Quad countries as well as the UK, France, Germany, UAE, and Singapore.
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Answer to Chinese Aggression
China’s aggressive posture is a significant concern for many nations. With the largest navy globally, comprising 355 warships and submarines, Beijing has been exerting pressure on its neighbors in the South China Sea, particularly the Philippines, through territorial claims and the construction of new artificial islands. Similar tactics are being observed along China’s land borders with India.
China’s growing presence in the IOR is also worrisome, with Beijing seeking additional logistical facilities on Africa’s east coast after establishing its first overseas base in Djibouti in 2017. China has been active in several African countries and has full access to Pakistan’s Gwadar and Karachi ports. Chinese warships, part of anti-piracy escort forces, are increasingly staying longer in the IOR.
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Additionally, Chinese survey and research vessels, as well as satellite and missile-tracking ships, are frequently present in the IOR to gather oceanographic and other data beneficial for navigation and submarine operations. China is enhancing its underwater domain awareness in the IOR to operate more efficiently.
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India, meanwhile, has been strengthening its military ties with the Quad and other nations through bilateral and multilateral agreements. India has military logistics agreements with the US, Australia, France, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, allowing reciprocal refueling, repair, and berthing facilities for warships and aircraft. A similar agreement with Russia is in progress.
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Ahead of the Malabar exercise, India’s 6000-tonne multi-role stealth frigate INS Shivalik and a P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft are participating in the world’s largest naval exercise, RIMPAC, at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii. This exercise is taking place 9,000 nautical miles from the Indian coast. Additionally, an Indian submarine, INS Vagir, had undertaken an extended deployment to Australia’s west coast last year for the first time.
The Malabar exercise symbolizes strong cooperation, shared values, and the collective ability of the four nations to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, countering any disruptive activities.
