India to host Malabar 2024 Naval exercise with Australia, Japan

The Maritime Exercise Malabar 2024 is set to take place from October 8 to 18, beginning with the Harbour Phase in Visakhapatnam, followed by the Sea Phase.

In Short

• Originally a bilateral drill, it now fosters multilateral cooperation
• Indian Navy to deploy destroyers, frigates, submarines, and aircraft
• Australia, U.S., Japan send warships, helicopters, and patrol aircraft

The Maritime Exercise Malabar 2024 is set to take place from October 8 to 18, beginning with the Harbour Phase in Visakhapatnam, followed by the Sea Phase. Hosted by India, this year’s exercise will see participation from Australia, Japan, and the United States.

Originally a bilateral drill between the US and Indian Navies in 1992, Exercise Malabar has since evolved into a key multilateral event aimed at improving interoperability, fostering mutual understanding, and addressing shared maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions.

The Indian Navy will deploy various platforms, including guided missile destroyers, frigates, submarines, and aircraft. Australia, the U.S., and Japan will also send warships, helicopters, and maritime patrol aircraft. Special Forces from all four nations will participate.

Malabar 2024 will focus on enhancing cooperation through activities such as anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and surface warfare operations.

A Distinguished Visitors’ Day is planned for October 9, during which Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar will host delegations from the participating nations. A Joint Press Conference will also take place during the Harbour Phase.

This year’s edition is expected to be the most comprehensive, incorporating complex operational scenarios at sea.