Why in news?
The 2025 edition of Exercise Malabar began on 10 November 2025 near Guam in the Northern Pacific. Hosted by the United States, the exercise involves the navies of India, the United States, Japan and Australia — the four members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). The harbour phase (10–12 November) includes planning and familiarisation, while the sea phase (13–17 November) features joint fleet operations, anti‑submarine warfare and gunnery drills.
Background
Malabar is a multilateral naval exercise that began in 1992 as a bilateral drill between the Indian and U.S. navies. After India’s nuclear tests in 1998, the exercise was suspended but resumed in 2002. Japan participated in 2007 and became a permanent partner in 2015, making Malabar a trilateral exercise. In 2020, Australia rejoined, turning Malabar into a four‑nation drill and effectively bringing together all members of the Quad.
Objectives and significance
- Enhance interoperability: The exercise allows the participating navies to practise complex manoeuvres, communications and joint procedures so that they can operate seamlessly during real missions.
- Promote a free and open Indo‑Pacific: Malabar underscores the Quad’s commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation and the rule of law in the Indo‑Pacific region.
- Demonstrate capability: Through anti‑submarine warfare drills, gunnery exercises, air operations and cross‑deck helicopter landings, the exercise showcases the participants’ maritime capabilities and deters potential adversaries.
- Strengthen partnerships: The exercise fosters political and defence cooperation among the Quad countries beyond the naval domain. It is one of several activities through which the Quad addresses humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and capacity building.
Key facts about Malabar 2025
- Host and venue: The 2025 edition is hosted by the United States at Guam, a U.S. territory in the Western Pacific.
- Participants: The Indian Navy has deployed the indigenously built guided‑missile frigate INS Sahyadri. Japan, Australia and the United States have sent destroyers, frigates, patrol aircraft and submarines.
- Harbour phase: Activities include operational planning, alignment of communication protocols, cross‑visits of sailors and sporting events to build camaraderie.
- Sea phase: The navies will practise formation manoeuvring, underway replenishment, anti‑submarine warfare, missile firing, air defence drills and helicopter operations.
Source: Indian Express – Knowledge Nugget; Deccan Chronicle