Exercise Malabar-2025
Context:
The 29th edition of the top-notch Malabar exercise, involving the navies of the four Quad countries, is set to kick off Guam in the western Pacific Ocean from November 10, 2025
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri is at Guam for participation in this multilateral exercise
Participating Nations & Key Assets
The exercise includes all four Quad countries
The assets gathered at Guam (a strategic US military base) include
India: Guided-missile stealth frigate INS Sahyadri
United States: Aegis guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald
Australia: Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat
Japan: Helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga.
Historical Background & Significance
The Malabar exercise began as a bilateral endeavour between India and the US in 1992
According to the Indian Navy, participation reaffirms India's enduring partnership and its commitment to strengthening coordination, enhancing interoperability, and demonstrating a collective resolve to safeguard regional security
Phases of the Exercise
Harbour Phase (Nov 10-12):
This phase will feature operational planning and discussions, alignment on communication protocols, familiarisation visits, and sports fixtures.
Sea Phase (Nov 13-17):
Warships and aircraft will participate in naval drills (focusing on joint fleet operations, anti-submarine warfare, gunnery serials, and flying operations).