Exercise Malabar 2025: Quad Naval Exercise at Guam
11.11.2025
Exercise Malabar 2025: Quad Naval Exercise at Guam
Context
Exercise Malabar 2025 is a major multilateral naval drill involving the navies of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, the four members of the Quad.
Hosted at Guam, a key United States territory in the Northern Pacific Ocean, the exercise strengthens maritime cooperation and regional security among Indo-Pacific democracies.
Background
Exercise Malabar began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the United States.
Japan joined in 2015, making it a trilateral event, and Australia became a full participant in 2020, forming the present Quad structure.
The Quad enhances maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and balances China’s expanding influence across vital sea routes.
Indian Participation
India is represented by INS Sahyadri, an indigenously built stealth guided-missile frigate developed under Project 17 by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders.
The Indian Navy also deployed P8I maritime patrol aircraft and naval helicopters, demonstrating India’s advanced maritime surveillance and operational capabilities as part of a combined task force.
Exercise Phases and Focus
Harbour Phase (Guam Port, November 10–12)
Includes planning meetings, coordination sessions, protocol alignment, ship visits, and sports events, aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and operational camaraderie.
Features joint fleet maneuvers, anti-submarine warfare, gunnery drills, and aerial operations with aircraft and helicopters to enhance tactical coordination, precision, and interoperability among Quad navies.
Objectives
- Strengthen operational coordination and interoperability among member navies.
- Develop joint strategies for regional maritime security and humanitarian operations.
- Uphold freedom of navigation and the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.
- Reinforce India’s vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Strategic Significance
Conducting the exercise at Guam underscores the strategic importance of forward-deployed bases near East Asia and the South China Sea.
The exercise enhances Quad maritime awareness, early warning systems, and collective security frameworks.
India’s strong presence highlights its blue-water capabilities, advancing regional stability and its active role in Indo-Pacific cooperation.
Recent Developments and Media Highlights
INS Sahyadri’s participation received widespread coverage in both Indian and international media, reflecting India’s growing role in maritime diplomacy.
The 2025 exercise emphasizes realistic maritime operations and multi-domain coordination to handle complex challenges.
The continued cooperation showcases the Quad’s strategic relevance amid evolving Indo-Pacific geopolitics.
Conclusion
Exercise Malabar 2025 at Guam marks a key advancement in Quad naval collaboration.
With India’s INS Sahyadri taking a leading role, the exercise reaffirms a collective commitment to secure, peaceful, and open Indo-Pacific waters, vital for global trade and long-term regional stability.