SEA PHASE OF MALABAR 2024

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 16-Oct-2024

Why in the News?

The Sea Phase of Exercise MALABAR 2024 began on 14th October 2024 off the coast of Visakhapatnam with warships, helicopters and aircraft from Australia, India, Japan, and the USA participating. These advanced maritime drills focus on surface, sub-surface and air warfare, enhancing cooperation and operational synergy. The phase strengthens Indo-Pacific security and will conclude on 18th October 2024.

About Malabar Exercise

  • Started: 1992 as a bilateral India-USA naval drill.
  • Current Participants: India, USA, Japan (since 2015), Australia (since 2020).
  • Focus: Maritime security, enhancing interoperability in surface, sub-surface, and air warfare.
  • Phases: Harbor Phase (planning, briefings) and Sea Phase (combat drills).
  • Significance: Strengthens defense ties among Quad nations ensures regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
  • 2024 Focus: Advanced warfare operations and regional stability.

Naval warships, integral helicopters and long-range maritime patrol aircraft exercising in the Bay of Bengal.

QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)

  • It is a strategic dialogue and diplomatic framework between India, USA, Japan, and Australia.
  • It addresses broader regional and global issues, including security, economic cooperation, and maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
  • It covers a wide range of issues, including climate change, health security, critical technology, infrastructure development, and countering terrorism. It emphasizes non-military cooperation as well.
  • It is seen as a strategic counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the region.
  • It promotes a rules-based international order.
  • While not a formal military alliance, it focuses on regional stability and partnerships.
  • The Malabar Exercise has become an important defense collaboration activity among Quad nations, but it is not officially a Quad exercise.