India, Japan and the US kicked off their marine war games, Malabar Exercise, near South China Sea. The 8-day joint exercises will see in action over 100 aircraft and 22 naval ships including a nuclear submarine.
The exercise assumes significance as it is being conducted close to South China Sea at a time when Chinese assertiveness in the region is a raging issue. It aims to achieve deeper military ties and greater interoperability amid rising tensions in the region.
The Indian Navy said that their four ships are participating in the 20th edition of the naval exercise in consonance with India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and growing ties among the three countries.
The Navy said, the exercise will support maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region and benefit the global maritime community.
India and the US have regularly conducted the annual exercise since 1992. Since 2007, Malabar has been held alternatively off India and in the Western Pacific. Last year, it was conducted off Chennai and included participation of Japan.
While the harbour phase of the exercise started yesterday at Sasebo, the sea phase in the Pacific Ocean will be held from June 14 to 17.
Indian ships participating in the exercise are from the Eastern Fleet and include INS Sahyadri and INS Satpura, indigenously built guided missile stealth frigates, INS Shakti, a modern fleet tanker and support ship, and INS Kirch, an indigenous guided missile corvette. Additionally, the Special Forces (SF) of the three navies will also interact during the exercise.