Daily Current Affairs : 24-October-2024

The Sea Phase of the Malabar Exercise 2024 recently concluded at Visakhapatnam, marking another successful milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation among participating nations. This exercise brings together multiple countries to practice and enhance their naval skills, ensuring security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Major Events of the 2024 Malabar Exercise

The 2024 Malabar Exercise involved several key military assets, including:

  • Warships
  • Helicopters
  • Patrol Aircraft
  • Submarine

These forces took part in various surface, sub-surface, and air warfare exercises, aimed at improving the tactical capabilities of the participating nations. Such joint exercises help increase interoperability between the navies and ensure quick, coordinated responses to any maritime challenges.

About the Malabar Exercise

The Malabar Exercise began in 1992 as a bilateral naval drill between India and the United States. Over the years, it has evolved into a multilateral exercise, with Japan and Australia joining in 2007. This expansion reflects the growing need for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, a region that is increasingly becoming the center of global geopolitical and economic activity.

  • Key Facts:
    • Initially bilateral (India-US, 1992)
    • Expanded to include Japan and Australia (2007)
    • Focused on enhancing maritime security

Link Between Malabar Exercise and the Quad

The Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) is an informal strategic forum comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia. The Quad nations share common goals of enhancing security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and this objective is reflected in the Malabar Exercise as well.

  • Quad and Malabar Link: Both aim to promote peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Regional Maritime Initiative: In 2024, the Quad leaders launched the Regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), which is designed to maximize maritime domain awareness and enhance cooperation among regional maritime forces.

Other Key Military Exercises

The Malabar Exercise is just one of several key multinational military drills in the Indo-Pacific region. Some other important exercises include:

  • La Perouse: Involves India, Australia, the US, France, Japan, and the UK.
  • SALVEX: A joint exercise between India and the US.
  • Sea Dragon: Participated by India, the US, Japan, Canada, and South Korea.
  • Ex Veer Guardian: An air exercise between India and Japan.
  • Exercise Kakadu: A biennial exercise hosted by the Australian Navy, involving Malabar countries.

Important Points:

Malabar Exercise 2024 concluded the Sea Phase at Visakhapatnam, focusing on enhancing naval capabilities and cooperation.Key Participants: Warships, helicopters, patrol aircraft, and submarines engaged in surface, sub-surface, and air warfare exercises.Origins: Began in 1992 as a bilateral naval exercise between India and the United States.Expansion: In 2007, Japan and Australia joined, making it a multilateral exercise.Goal: Strengthen maritime security and interoperability among participating nations.Quad Connection: The Malabar Exercise is closely linked with the Quad (US, India, Japan, and Australia), aimed at enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific.Regional Maritime Initiative (MAITRI): Launched by Quad leaders to improve maritime domain awareness and regional cooperation.Other Key Exercises:

  • La Perouse: Involves India, Australia, US, France, Japan, and the UK.
  • SALVEX: A joint exercise between India and the US.
  • Sea Dragon: Involves India, US, Japan, Canada, and South Korea.
  • Ex Veer Guardian: Air exercise between India and Japan.
  • Exercise Kakadu: Biennial exercise hosted by the Australian Navy, involving Malabar nations.

Why In News

Recently, the Sea Phase of Malabar 2024 concluded at Visakhapatnam, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen naval cooperation and enhance security in the Indo-Pacific region. This phase featured complex maritime exercises, highlighting the growing collaboration between the participating nations.

MCQs about The Sea Phase of Malabar 2024

  1. When did the Malabar Exercise first begin?
    A. 1990
    B. 1992
    C. 2000
    D. 2007
    Correct Answer: B. 1992
    Explanation: The Malabar Exercise began in 1992 as a bilateral naval exercise between India and the United States before expanding to include other countries.
  2. Which of the following countries joined the Malabar Exercise in 2007?
    A. United Kingdom
    B. France
    C. Japan and Australia
    D. South Korea
    Correct Answer: C. Japan and Australia
    Explanation: In 2007, Japan and Australia joined the Malabar Exercise, transforming it from a bilateral exercise into a multilateral one involving India, the United States, Japan, and Australia.
  3. What is the primary goal of the Malabar Exercise?
    A. To enhance economic cooperation
    B. To improve space exploration
    C. To strengthen maritime security and interoperability
    D. To promote cultural exchange
    Correct Answer: C. To strengthen maritime security and interoperability
    Explanation: The main aim of the Malabar Exercise is to enhance naval capabilities, improve interoperability between the participating nations, and strengthen security in the Indo-Pacific region.
  4. What is the ‘Regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI)’?
    A. A military alliance formed in 2024
    B. A program launched by the Quad to enhance maritime domain awareness
    C. A trade agreement between India and Japan
    D. A scientific research project
    Correct Answer: B. A program launched by the Quad to enhance maritime domain awareness
    Explanation: The Regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) was launched by Quad leaders in 2024 to maximize tools for maritime domain awareness and strengthen cooperation in the region.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading