Australia to conduct Malabar naval exercise for first time this August

Australia is set to host the Malabar multilateral naval exercise in August 2023, marking the first time the country has hosted this event. Participating countries will include India, Japan, and the United States. Ahead of the event, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong will visit India in early March, possibly revealing new defense plans. This naval exercise comes after Australia became a permanent Ex Malabar member in 2020 against a backdrop of tension with China. The exercise's main focus in recent years has been Anti-Submarine Warfare training, particularly relevant given the Chinese Navy's rapid expansion and increased presence in the Indian Ocean.

Important points to remember:

  1. The Malabar 2023 naval exercise is set to be hosted by Australia.
  2. This exercise includes participation from India, Australia, Japan, and the United States.
  3. The exercise has grown in scale and focuses on Anti-Submarine Warfare training due to the expansion of the Chinese Navy.
  4. Australian Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister are scheduled to visit India ahead of the exercise.
  5. Australia became a permanent member of the Ex-Malabar in 2020, amidst rising tensions with China.