Indian Navy (IN) participated in the sea phase of Exercise Malabar 2021 from August 26-29, 2021 along with the US Navy (USN), Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). This year marks the 25th edition of Ex Malabar, being hosted by USN in the Western Pacific. The IN’s participation included INS Shivalik, INS Kadmatt and P8-I patrol aircraft led by Rear Admiral Tarun Sobti, FOC Eastern Fleet. The USN was represented by USS Barry, USNS Rappahannock, USNS Big Horn and P-8A patrol aircraft. The JMSDF was represented by J.S. Kaga, Murasame and Shiranui, in addition to a submarine and P1 patrol aircraft. The RAN was represented by HMAS Warramunga.

The IN ships sailed from Guam where they participated in Operational Turn Around from August 21-24, 2021. During this phase, the FOC-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral A.B. Singh, exchanged views with his counterparts in the US Navy.

Malabar-21 witnessed complex exercises including anti-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drill, and other manoeuvres and tactical exercises. The conduct of the exercise while observing health protocols during the COVID-19 global pandemic is a testimony to the synergy between the participating navies and our shared vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.