Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force and the navies of the United States, Australia and India have begun a joint exercise in waters near India.
India’s defense ministry says the Malabar drill began on Tuesday in the Bay of Bengal and will continue through October 18.
The drill will involve vessels such as destroyers and supply vessels, along with aircraft and submarines. Japan’s destroyer Ariake will take part. Participants are expected to confirm coordination through anti-submarine and other drills.
Indian Navy Vice Adm. Rajesh Pendharkar said at a news conference, “We recognize that the Indian Ocean region and the broader Indo-Pacific are becoming increasingly vital for global security and economic stability.”
The Malabar exercise was initiated in the 1990s between the US and India, and later joined by Japan and Australia.
The four countries are members of the Quad framework for cooperation in security and other areas. Their leaders held a summit in September in the US and agreed to reinforce their security cooperation, apparently to deal with China’s growing maritime assertiveness.
The ongoing Malabar drill is believed to be aimed at strengthening the Quad nations’ collaboration.