EXERCISE MALABAR (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 - IR)

Context:  Indian Navy's indigenous frontline warships INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata is participating in Exercise MALABAR 2023 scheduled at/ off Sydney from 11 - 21 August 23 along with ships and aircraft from the US Navy (USN), Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Key Points

• MALABAR series of maritime exercise commenced in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between Indian Navy and US Navy and has grown in stature over the years to include four prominent navies in the Indo-Pacific Region. 
• The 2020 edition witnessed the maiden participation of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). 
• This year marks the 27th edition of MALABAR which is being hosted by Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
• MALABAR 2023 is scheduled to be conducted in two phases:
• The Harbour Phase involves wide-ranging activities such as cross-deck visits, professional exchanges, sports fixtures and several interactions for planning and conduct of the Sea Phase. 
• The Sea Phase will include various complex and high intensity exercises in all three domains of warfare, encompassing anti-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine exercises including live weapon firing drills. 
• The exercise provides an opportunity to the Indian Navy to enhance and demonstrate interoperability and also gain from the best practices in maritime security operations from its partner nations.

Other Exercises:

• India- Japan: JIMEX (naval exercise), SHINYUU Maitri (air force exercise), and Dharma Guardian (military exercise).
• India-US: Yudha Abhyas (Army), Vajra Prahar (Military), Spitting Cobra, SANGAM, RED FLAG, COPE INDIA.
• India-Australia: AUSINDEX (Maritime), AUSTRA HIND, Pitch Black
• Passage Exercises (PASSEX).