Multilateral Naval Exercise Brings India, Japan and U.S. Together at Sea

The Indian and U.S. navies will be joined by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, for exercise Malabar beginning April 26.

As reported by The Hindu and U.S. 7th Fleet earlier this week, 10 ships and various aircraft will take part in the exercise that will include training in a variety of warfare areas as well as personnel exchanges and professional discussions.

Malabar has its roots as a bilateral exercise between the U.S. and Indian navies but has expanded in the past at the request of the Indian Navy – as it has this year – to include multinational participation.

Multilateral cooperation, fostered by exercises such as Malabar, is a U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) priority. Across the PACOM area of responsibility, this goal is advanced by a range of military engagements such as collaborative talks, professional development exchanges, and exercise programs.