Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force and the US and Indian navies are holding 8-day joint exercises in waters east of Okinawa, southwestern Japan.
The large-scale drills involve a destroyer from Japan, a US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, an Indian frigate and aircraft.
Rear Admiral of Indian Navy, Soonil Bhokare, told reporters that he hopes freedom of navigation continues, and that one aim of the exercises is to learn how to operate together in any situation at sea.
Japanese Rear Admiral Koji Manabe stressed the importance of the 3 countries’ strengthening coordination to ensure peace and stability at sea. US Rear Admiral Brian Hurley said the US operates in seas according to international law.