Guam, Northern Pacific – The Indian Navy's stealth frigate, INS Sahyadri, has docked in Guam, marking the commencement of the Malabar 2025 naval exercise, which began today. This year's iteration of the annual event is hosted by the United States and includes the navies of India, the US, Japan, and Australia. The Malabar exercise is scheduled to run from November 10th to 18th.
The arrival of INS Sahyadri in Guam underscores India's commitment to bolstering regional security and strengthening maritime cooperation with its Quad partners. According to a statement by the Indian Navy, INS Sahyadri's participation "reaffirms India's enduring partnership and its commitment to strengthening coordination, enhancing interoperability, and demonstrating a collective resolve to safeguard regional security".
INS Sahyadri is an indigenously designed and constructed guided-missile stealth frigate. The ship showcases India's growing capabilities in naval shipbuilding under the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative. It is equipped with advanced stealth technology, sophisticated sensors, and multi-role combat systems, enabling it to counter threats from the air, surface, and underwater.
The Malabar exercise, which began in 1992 as a bilateral drill between the Indian and US navies, has evolved into a significant multilateral engagement aimed at addressing shared maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. This year’s exercise is particularly important as it demonstrates the Quad nations’ united front amid evolving geopolitical dynamics and concerns regarding China's increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
The exercise is divided into two phases: a harbor phase and a sea phase. During the harbor phase, from November 10th to 12th, participating navies will engage in operational planning, discussions, and communication protocol alignment. Familiarization visits and sporting events are also planned to foster camaraderie among the participating personnel.
The sea phase, scheduled from November 13th to 17th, will involve complex naval drills, including joint fleet operations, anti-submarine warfare exercises, gunnery exercises, and flying operations. These drills aim to enhance interoperability and coordination among the four navies, ensuring seamless communication and effective responses to maritime security challenges.
Despite facing punitive tariffs imposed by the US, India remains committed to its defense partnerships, viewing them as a crucial pillar of bilateral relations. This commitment is evident in the Malabar exercise, which provides a platform for the participating nations to operate similar maritime surveillance planes and share a common operational picture at sea. The exercise also facilitates the exchange of best practices and strengthens the collective ability to address maritime threats.
The Malabar 2025 exercise underscores the Quad's dedication to maintaining a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. By enhancing their naval capabilities and promoting interoperability, the Quad nations aim to ensure regional stability and uphold the rules-based international order in the face of growing maritime challenges.
