The Eastern Naval Command has extended a warm welcome to participants of the Malabar-24 Harbour Exercises, which commenced on Wednesday. This year, the prestigious multinational naval drills feature the naval forces of Australia, Japan, the United States, and host country India, all coming together to strengthen maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
The event kicked off with a formal welcome ceremony at Visakhapatnam, where the Indian Navy greeted ships from the participating nations. Among the early arrivals was the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Stuart, symbolizing the deepening maritime ties between Australia and India. Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) was represented by JS Ariake, while the US Navy dispatched USS Dewey to partake in the joint exercises. Sailors from each nation were warmly received, with greetings of “Namaste,” “Konnichiwa,” and “Ahoy” echoing through the harbor, embodying the theme “Bridges of Friendship.”
The Malabar-24 exercises will consist of both harbour and sea phases, encompassing a variety of operations including anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and joint tactical maneuvers. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of India, Australia, Japan, and the United States to maintaining peace, ensuring freedom of navigation, and bolstering maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
Malabar 2024 is a vital event for enhancing security and cooperation in the region, with each nation contributing to a collective vision for a free and secure Indo-Pacific. As the exercises unfold, these nations will demonstrate their interoperability and commitment to countering security challenges and fostering a peaceful maritime environment.
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