In Pics | Malabar Exercise at Bay of Bengal

Amidst the ongoing pandemic, the first phase of India's oldest wars, Malabar Exercise, were held in the Bay of Bengal from November 3 to November 6. Originally limited between the Naval forces of India and the USA, the drills have expanded to include Japan, Australia and Singapore in the past. This year, the four members of the Quad -- India, USA, Japan and Australia -- are the countries participating in the friendly war games. The exercise also acts as a move to curb China's expansionist role in the Indian Ocean region. 

The first phase of Malabar exercise was held between India, USA, Japan and Australia from November 3 to November 6. Credit: AFP Photo

The exercise took place at a time amid nearly six-month-long bitter border standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh. Japan, Australia and the US too are having fractious ties with China in the last few months over a range of contentious issues. Credit: AFP Photo

The exercise included US Navy ship USS John S McCain, a guided-missile destroyer, Australian Navy's long-range frigate HMAS Ballarat with integral MH-60 helicopter and Japan Maritime Self Defence Force's JS Onami, a destroyer. India's fleet included destroyer Ranvijay, frigate Shivalik, off-shore patrol vessel Sukanya, fleet support ship Shakti and submarine Sindhuraj. Credit: AFP Photo

The exercise was conducted as a 'non-contact, at sea only' exercise in view of Covid-19 pandemic, that was formed to counter China’s expansionist role in the Indian Ocean region. Credit: AFP Photo