In the recent news, the Navies of the Quad nations- India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, have been seen participating in the 25th Malabar exercise. This multilateral naval exercise began near the coast of Guam, a US island territory located in the Pacific Ocean. Its proximity to China in the East than the mainland US in the West, marks it as an optimal US military strategic outpost for Indo-Pacific operations.
Understanding the Malabar Exercise
The Malabar exercise is highly significant, owing to its status as a multilateral war-gaming naval exercise. The first establishment of this exercise dates back to 1992, marking a bilateral partnership between the navies of India and the US. After two more editions of the exercise in 1995 and 1996, there was a pause, resulting from the aftermath of Indian nuclear tests until the year 2002.
Post-2002, the exercise has been an annual event. First participation from Japan and Australia was seen in the year 2007. Owing to its massive success, since 2014, India, the US, and Japan became regular participants of the exercise each successive year. In 2020, Australia formally joined the Malabar Exercise on India’s request, aiming to contain China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. For the first time in over ten years, the Malabar 2020 witnessed the participation of all Quad members. With the objective to support a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, the exercise adhered to a rules-based international order.
Highlights of Malabar 2021
Being the first joint maritime exercise within the framework of Quad in the Western Pacific, the Malabar 2021 was particularly noteworthy as it aimed to frighten China. This exercise was hosted by the US.
Significance of Malabar Exercise
The Malabar Exercise has been instrumental in enhancing strategic partnerships. The complex exercises carried out during the event have deepened synergy and mutual understanding amongst the four participating nations regarding joint maritime security operations. This improved collaboration will significantly strengthen their existing strategic partnership.
The exercise is a major move towards building a sustainable Indo-Pacific coalition, thereby offsetting the strategic imbalance brought about by both economically and militarily powerful China. It aims to counter threats posed by China on the international system, liberal societies, and a rules-based regime.
Role of Peace through Sea
As India-US ties improved in the mid-2000s, China was compelled to adopt better behavior. With economic strength and partnerships such as the one crystallized in the Malabar exercise, India can broaden its options with China. It is believed that the road to peace in the mountains may lie through the sea.
Other Exercises with Quad Countries
Besides the Malabar exercise, these Quad nations participate in several other exercises. Some examples include the JIMEX, SHINYUU Maitri, and Dharma Guardian between India-Japan, Yudha Abhyas, Vajra Prahar, Spitting Cobra, SANGAM, RED FLAG, COPE INDIA between India-US, and AUSINDEX, AUSTRA HIND, Pitch Black Passage Exercises (PASSEX) between India-Australia.
Understanding the Quad
The Quad, often known as the quadrilateral framework, is a four-nation alliance established in 2007. It is composed of India, Australia, USA, and Japan. Its conception was laid by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with an idea to establish an “Asian” or “mini” North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Quad aims to counterbalance the military and economic influence of China in the Indo-Pacific region. Despite initially being known as the quadrilateral security dialogue, it now goes by the name quadrilateral framework, indicating its expanded objectives beyond just a narrow security dialogue.