Visakhapatnam: As part of the ongoing Multilateral Maritime Exercise Malabar 2024, navies from India, Australia, Japan, and the United States have actively participated in a range of collaborative activities aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and building operational synergy. Coordinated by the Eastern Naval Command, the events have been underway in Visakhapatnam since October 9, 2024, and include Key Leadership Engagement (KLE), Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, and pre-sailing discussions.
A highlight of the exercise has been the Key Leadership Engagement, where senior naval leaders, including Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Eastern Naval Command, Admiral Stephen Koehler, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, Vice Admiral Katsushi Omachi, Commander-in-Chief of Japan’s Self-Defense Fleet, and Rear Admiral Chris Smith, Commander of the Australian Fleet, came together to discuss strengthening naval interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region. Their discussions focused on expanding cooperation between the participating nations and shaping the future of the Malabar exercises, which have become a key platform for fostering naval ties and regional security.
Additionally, the Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) and cross-deck visits offered valuable opportunities for the navies to exchange knowledge and best practices. These interactions underscored the importance of collaboration in maritime security, with each nation contributing expertise to achieve shared goals in maritime operations.
Further strengthening the bonds between the participating crews, friendly sports fixtures were organized, reflecting the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie. The theme of Stronger Together was embodied both on and off the field, symbolizing the close ties between the navies. The teams also enjoyed an Indian dinner, where the rich flavors of local cuisine set the stage for cultural exchange and fostering friendships.
As the harbour phase of Malabar 2024 concludes, the focus has shifted to pre-sailing discussions, which aim to ensure maximum operational synergy during the upcoming sea phase in the Bay of Bengal, scheduled to begin on October 14, 2024. These discussions are expected to further enhance cooperation and coordination during the naval drills, cementing the foundation laid during the harbour activities.