Quad navies wrap up Malabar drills

MY INDIA

OFF JAPANESE COAST

India, the US, Japan and Australia concluded the Malabar naval drills on Tuesday, with the exercise witnessing the participation of 11 surface ships, including a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier with integral air elements, two submarines, and four longrange maritime patrol aircraft, a navy spokesperson said on Wednesday. “The sea phase of Malabar 22 was conducted over five days near Yokosuka and it involved live weapon firings, surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drills and tactical procedures. Another highlight of the sea phase was the conduct of War at Sea exercise which enabled all four navies to consolidate interoperability and hone their tactical skills,” he said. The drills began on November 9, and came at a time when China is pushing for greater influence in the far seas.