How is Malabar 2017 different from the first Malabar exercise of 1992 and what has been accomplished in these years through this exercise?

Exercise Malabar was initiated in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between the US and Indian Navy and has evolved progressively over the years with increase in the scope of the exercise. The exercise has resulted in all-round strengthening and development of cooperation between the countries. It has enhanced interoperability between the navies. Each iteration of this exercise has also helped to advance the level of mutual understanding between our crew.

Why is the focus of Malabar 2017 on anti-submarine warfare?

The focus areas of Malabar 2017, like all other editions in the past, has been on all facets of naval operations such as subsurface, surface and air operations. The thrust this year is not limited to anti-submarine only but also includes aircraft carrier operations, air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surface firing operations, search and rescue, and interaction between Special Forces. All of these are focused around the central theme of synergising resources towards ensuring safety of ships operating in the global commons.

In operational terms, what is meant by ‘exchanging best practices’?

Each navy, notwithstanding the level of sophistication achieved by it, has evolved methods and procedures over a period of time to achieve a particular task based on their experience whilst undertaking a particular operation. When navies operate together in such exercises, professionals interact and share their experiences so as to adopt the bes