Australia will participate in the <keyword id="2438987" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Malabar-naval-exercise">Malabar naval exercise</keyword>, involving the United States, Japan and India, to bring the four key partners in the Indo-Pacific region together next month, according to a statement issued by the Australian government. In a significant move that comes amid a Sino-India border row, India on Monday announced Australia's participation in the upcoming <keyword id="2426742" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Malabar-exercise">Malabar exercise</keyword> along with the US and Japan, effectively making it the first military-level engagement between the four-member nation grouping -- the Quad. The invitation by India to the Australian navy for the exercise next month came two weeks after the foreign ministers of the Quad held extensive talks in Tokyo with a focus on enhancing their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, a region that has been witnessing increasing Chinese military assertiveness. Issuing the joint statement with Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said that the announcement was another important step in Australia's deepening relationship with India. The federal government said that following an invitation from India, Australia will participate in the Malabar exercise. The exercise will bring together four key regional defence partners India, Japan, the United States and Australia in November, it said. Reynolds said Malabar-2020 marked a milestone opportunity for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). "High-end military exercises like MALABAR are key to enhancing Australia's maritime capabilities, building interoperability with our close partners, and demonstrating our collective resolve to support an open and prosperous Indo-Pacific," Reynolds said. Foreign Minister Payne said that the Malabar exercise also "showcases the deep trust between four major Indo-Pacific democracies and their shared will to work together on common security interests". "This builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, to which Prime Minister (Scott) Morrison and Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi agreed on June 4, 2020, and which I progressed with my counterpart, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, this month when we met in Tokyo," she said. "It will bolster the ability of India, Australia, Japan and the United States to work together to uphold peace and stability across our region," Payne asserted. Participation in the naval exercise demonstrates Australia's enduring commitment to enhancing regional security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increasing the capability and inter-operability of the ADF, she said. Australia last participated in Exercise MALABAR in 2007. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/foreign-policy/news/trump-versus-biden-what-the-result-of-us-election-could-mean-for-india/articleshow/78750339.cms">EXCLUSIVE: Trump versus Biden — Here’s what the result of the US election could mean for India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/exclusive-why-tata-motors-ceo-is-not-worried-about-musks-tesla-coming-to-india/articleshow/78749755.cms">Why Tata Motors CEO is not worried about Musk's Tesla coming to India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/byjus-renewal-rates-stand-at-86-the-founder-of-the-11-billion-edtech-startup-shares-how-they-cracked-the-code-for-repeat-subscriptions/articleshow/78749254.cms">BYJU’S renewal rates stand at 86% – the founder of the $11 billion edtech startup shares how they cracked the code for repeat subscriptions</a>

India ropes in all QUAD nations to participate in Malabar naval exercise

<ul><li>In an exclusive interview with Business Insider, <keyword id="4283147" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Former-Diplomat">former diplomat</keyword> and Gateway House fellow, <keyword id="6483773" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajiv-Bhatia">Rajiv Bhatia</keyword>, said the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and three supporting agreements will be key in taking India’s relationship with Australia to the next level. </li><li>The defence agreements will be key in countering China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, the cooperation in the field of mining will be the economic pillar of the relationship. </li><li>The first-ever virtual summit between India and Australia concluded with nine agreements on the table — four of which set new standards for the relationship between the two countries. </li></ul> The relationship between India and Australia had already been inching closer with interactions between India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison becoming more frequent before the coronavirus pandemic. Although the two were unable to meet face to face, they held their first virtual summit on Thursday, June 4. As a result of the summit, India and Australia finalised nine agreements — of which four stand out, according to former diplomat Rajiv Bhatia. “These four agreements indicate that the relationship is not just about khichdi and samosas. There was a substantive outcome,” he told Business Insider in an exclusive interview citing the joint statement on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, joint declaration on a Shared Vision for Maritime Cooperation, arrangement concerning Mutual Logistics Support (MLSA) and the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of mining and processing of critical and strategic materials. Adding meat to the India-Australia relationship The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that has been struck between India and Australia marks the beginning of a new chapter between the two countries. “All countries are important to India, but not all countries are equally important. There are gradations. When interests pull them together you start putting more meat on the relationship,” Bhatia explained. The higher level of relationship between India and Australia now means it could cover all possible aspects of bilateral interactions and there will be a special focus on defence and security matters. “When you bring together defence and strategic affairs, you’re taking a more strategic view of the relationship,” said Bhatia. One example of how the relationship has elevated is that there will now be 2+2 ministerial-level consultations regularly between India and Australia. The Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers of both countries will now sit together and discuss the strategic environment. “This is a special feature. Whenever you have a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership this comes in,” Bhatia told Business Insider. Australia joins the club alongside Indonesia, Japan and the US to counter China’s assertion India already has maritime cooperation agreements in place with Indonesia, Japan and the US when it comes to the Indo-Pacific. “You can see that Australia was slightly outside this arc, now it has been brought into this special club,” said Bhatia. A common narrative on both sides of the aisle has been the need for an ‘open, free and rules-based’ Indo-Pacific region. “The very fundamental decision of raising the level of relationship to a Strategic Comprehensive Partnership is the common response of these two countries to the challenges that exist in the Indo-Pacific essentially caused by the new assertiveness that we’re seeing by China, which was there before COVID-19 began and it has gone up during the course of the pandemic,” explained Bhatia. He believes that the new level of relationship is a signal that’s going all to all the countries in the region that they prefer an inclusive region of mutual prosperity and security. “But, if a major country is not willing to play ball, then others have to start deepening their cooperation for their mutual goals,” decoded Bhatia. Australia could be the newest participant in the Malabar Naval Exercises The arrangement concerning Mutual Logistics Support (MLSA) between Australia and India means that the two countries will now be hand-in-hand when it comes to their defence forces — the army, airforce and navy. “They have different standard operating procedures (SOPs), telecommunication equipment, weaponry and so on. An agreement of this kind allows them to start consulting each other and coordinating with each other,” elucidated Bhatia. “What isn’t mentioned here, but may have agreed upon and will come out slowly, is the Malabar Naval Exercises. So far, there were only three countries who participated — the US, India and Japan. Now Australia may also be invited to this,” he added. A new economic pillar between India and Australia MoU on cooperation in the field of mining and processing of critical and strategic materials is also a big get for India. “Australia, as you know, is a big treasure house of all kinds of minerals which a developing economy like India needs. It will strengthen the economic pillar of the relationship,” explained Bhatia. Australia is the world’s leading producers of aluminium ore, iron ore, lithium, gold, lead, diamonds, rare earth elements, uranium and zinc. It also has large mineral sand deposits of ilmenite, zircon and rutile. Bhatia believes that the virtual summit and the agreements signed between India and Australia go beyond just trade and investment. Global supply lines, tech cooperation and getting India Inc to work alongside Australia Inc were also key topics of discussion. Defence agreements may have been the highlights, but people to people relationships will also have an expressed importance going forward. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-and-australia-sign-defence-deal-to-support-a-stable-indo-pacific-region/articleshow/76194541.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">India and Australia sign defence deal to support a 'stable' and 'rules-based' Indo-Pacific region</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/foreign-policy/news/india-and-australia-pump-12-7-million-into-ai-quantum-computing-and-robotics/articleshow/76194354.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">India and Australia pump $12.7 million into AI, quantum computing and robotics — renewing their cyber and critical technology partnership</a>

Beyond ‘khichdi’ and ‘samosa’ ⁠— a former diplomat explains why four agreements will take India and Australia ties to the next level

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Indian and Chinese troops came to blows last month in a disputed area along their mutual border in what was the deadliest such clash in more than 40 years.</li><li>The disputed northern border has been a source of tension for decades and will remain so, but growing rifts between <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> and <keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> mean the <keyword id="12350" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Indian-Ocean">Indian Ocean</keyword> will likely grow as an area of competition as well.</li></ul>Clashes in June between India and China high in the western Himalayas saw <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amid-border-dispute-tensions-how-china-and-india-militaries-compare-2020-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the first deadly encounter</a> between their forces there in four decades. Both sides appear to be disengaging, and India's northern border, parts of which are in dispute with Pakistan and China, will remain a point of focus for its military.But India's southern maritime approaches, where increasing Chinese naval activity was already a concern, may gain even more attention from New Delhi in the wake of those clashes."On the military side, I think we have to stay on guard. The situation is very fragile, even tenuous," former Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, also former Indian ambassador to China and the US, said at an <a href="https://asiasociety.org/policy-institute/events/webcast-crossing-precipice-india-china-border-clash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Asia Society Policy Institute event</a> this week."Diplomatically, [India has to] keep our channels open with China, but at the same time, obviously, seek possibilities of closer convergence with friends and partners in the Indo-Pacific."China is "clearly seeking to improve strategic advantage for itself through naval outreach and construction of ports and facilities," in that region, Rao added. "We know that, and all these [facilities] have clear military potential. So we need to leverage our assets, in the Indian Ocean region particularly, better."<h2>Wary of China's active navy</h2><div type="image" title="India navy ship vessel Philippines" height="3262" width="4919" msid="76902499" hostid="261"></div>Like other countries, India has watched Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean warily, especially since a 2014 visit by Chinese submarines to Sri Lanka, where <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/indias-concern-with-beijing-expansion-grows-with-sri-lanka-port-deal-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beijing's growing influence</a> has concerned India and others.India's navy said in 2015 that it overlooks "strategic sea lanes" that link the country's "security and prosperity inextricably to the seas." The recent reorientation <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amid-simmering-tension-with-china-india-is-increasing-naval-strength-2017-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has been called</a> "a tectonic shift in India's security calculus."India has long sought to retain independence in <keyword id="6356001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="international">international</keyword> affairs, but increasingly contentious relations with China have affected that thinking.A <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tensions-between-china-and-india-continue-year-after-doklam-standoff-2018-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">73-day standoff</a> between China and India in Doklam, a disputed area in the eastern Himalayas, in summer 2017 "clarified for India that signing, for example, some information-sharing agreements with the US could actually benefit India," Tanvi Madan, an expert on India at the Brookings Institution, said <a href="https://www.newstatesman.com/world/2020/06/podcast-india-china-us-triangle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on a recent episode</a> of the New Statesman's World Review podcast."India during Doklam saw the benefits of some of the capabilities that it had acquired from the US — the P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft, which flew right up to the India-China boundary for reconnaissance during that [standoff]," Madan said. "So you see then a decision, for example, to buy more of those."<div type="image" title="India navy Boeing P-8I Neptune anti-submarine maritime aircraft" height="521" width="1000" msid="76902501" hostid="261"></div>Since Doklam, those <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-more-us-made-sub-hunting-planes-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">P-8I aircraft</a> have been more active in the Indian Ocean, where the Indian navy <a href="https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/will-the-india-china-border-conflict-lead-to-a-naval-war/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">is working</a> to increase its capabilities and to keep an eye on Chinese warships.Indian officials have previously announced <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-is-beefing-up-its-navy-to-counter-chinas-powerful-fleet-2018-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">intentions to dramatically expand</a> its navy, and this month, New Delhi said it would buy <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2020/07/06/india-accelerates-weapons-purchases-in-wake-of-border-clash-with-china/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$5.5 billion</a> in weaponry. Much of it is for the army and air force, reflecting continued emphasis on the land border, but navy projects include spare parts for Kilo-class submarines and other Russian-built warships.In the wake of Doklam, India also signed <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-india-boosts-maritime-reach-with-seychelles-pact-to-build-naval-facilities-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a 20-year pact</a> with the Seychelles to build naval infrastructure there. In late 2018, India and the US signed a communications agreement <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-india-comcasa-deal-improves-ability-to-communicate-and-track-subs-2018-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allowing closer coordination</a> of military operations such as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-us-and-india-practiced-hunting-subs-in-the-indian-ocean-2019-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tracking subs</a>.India has been <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/india-japan-to-ink-pact-to-share-military-logistics-781355.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in talks</a> with Japan on a military mutual logistics support deal, which New Delhi already <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/india-australia-sign-deal-military-bases-200604083007978.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">agreed to</a> with Australia and <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lemoa-already-fully-operational/article24904359.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">with the US</a>."India's maritime enthusiasm and the Indo-Pacific approach is fairly recent. Many of these partnerships and engagements are foundational, but due to the absence of an active maritime-focused policies in the last decades, these agreements/partnerships are important," Darshana​ Baruah, an expert on the Indian Ocean at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said in an email.<h2>Using maritime leverage</h2><div type="image" title="India runway Port Blair Andaman Nicobar Islands" height="903" width="1400" msid="76902503" hostid="261"></div>The weeks since the clashes in Ladakh have seen more calls for India to put that navy to use.At the end of June, Sujan Chinoy, a former Indian diplomat, <a href="https://idsa.in/policybrief/strategic-potential-andaman-nicobar-sujanchinoy-260620" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recommended</a> "opening up" the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-india-navy-set-to-open-third-base-in-strategic-islands-to-counter-china-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Andaman and Nicobar Islands</a> in the Bay of Bengal to "friendly navies," incluing the US, Japan, and Australia, "to promote greater naval cooperation."India's chief of naval staff, Adm. Karambir Singh, <a href="https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/india-china-geostrategy-indian-ocean-region-strait-of-malacca-indian-and-chinese-navy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has said</a> the navy told the government it could act in the Malacca Straits, which connect the Indian and Pacific oceans, in response to tension on the northern border. And this month, a former chief of naval staff, retired Adm. Arun Prakash, <a href="https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/india-china-navy-maritime-strategy-conflict-indian-ocean-south-china-sea-trade-choke-points" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suggested</a> using that "maritime leverage" to add "weight to India's negotiating position."India has also engaged more with partners, which it has been historically cautious about doing. In June, India <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-to-take-a-call-on-australias-inclusion-in-malabar-exercises-with-japan-us/article32034664.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said it was open</a> to Australia joining this year's Malabar naval exercises as an observer, something New Delhi has hesitated to do for years.Recent tensions "will likely underscore to strategists in New Delhi and Beijing that they should be prepared for sustained competition across domains, and that India cannot take for granted its partnerships in the region," Joshua White, a professor of South Asia Studies at Johns Hopkins University, said in an email.<div type="image" title="US Navy aircraft carrier Indian Ocean Malabar" height="714" width="1000" msid="76902505" hostid="261"></div>"The decision to use India's advantage at sea is completely political and will depend on Delhi's political appetite," Baruah said. "There most certainly is an advantage and a role to be played, which can be maximized in collaboration with India's Indo-Pacific partners."Logistics exchanges and the use of Indian Ocean islands are just a few potential areas of collaboration, and India is likely to pursue a combination of them, Baruah said. Partnering with the US and others in the region offers "options to maximise some of [India's] advantage in the maritime domain."India has long valued strategic autonomy, and while it's likely to seek to retain some of that freedom, there's reason to think it will work more closely with an international coalition to counter an increasingly aggressive China, <a href="https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/china-india-border-conflict-strategic-shift-by-shashi-tharoor-2020-07" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to Shashi Tharoor, a former Indian minister of state for external affairs.Baruah expected an increase in maritime cooperation either way."What I hope is that [the] Ladakh issue has highlighted the maritime option available to India," Baruah said. "I hope this provides a chance to raise the urgency to clear some of the bureaucratic challenges in recognizing the role of the navy and maritime partnerships in India's strategic and security interests."

India's deadly mountain-top showdown with China could lead to more military activity at sea

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/50135202.cms" />India and the US are enhancing their military-to-military ties and in this regard, both the nations have decided to hold more bilateral exercises. 
 
India’s Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his US counterpart Ashton Carter took this decision and during a joint news conference said the Indian Air Force will also participate in the multilateral Red Flag exercise in April-May 2016. 
 
Parrikar informed Carter about India's decision to participate in the Rim-of-the-Pacific (RIMPAC) multilateral naval exercise in 2016. 
 
Carter announced US participation in the International Fleet Review of the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam in February 2016. 
 
"Today, India is conducting more military exercises with the US than with any other country," said Parrikar. 
 
"We discussed the importance of expanding our military engagements, from the annual Malabar naval exercise this year, to India's participation in the Rim-of-the-Pacific exercise next year. And return, for the first time in eight years to Red Flag, the premier air-to-air combat exercise," Carter said. 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

India, US are warming up military ties, to increase bilateral exercises

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/50136484.cms" /> 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Shinzo+Abe">Shinzo Abe</a> will visit India today. He is looking forward to clinch a few deals including <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=bullet+train">bullet train</a>s and amphibious <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=defense+planes">defense planes</a>. However, the Chinese media has said that the India visit is part of a bigger underlying anti-China strategy. 
 
"From a strategic perspective, China is an essential factor behind the closer Japan-India relationship," said an article titled 'Tokyo's pursuit of New Delhi may stumble' published in the state-run Global Times. 
 
"Tokyo is trying to contain and besiege Beijing by every possible means, and Abe will not miss any chance to draw Modi over to his side to counter China," it said. 
 
The article also said while India for its part is trying to balance its ties between China and Japan which have tenuous relations due to growing regional rivalry, New Delhi is looking to "hitchhike" more concessions. 
 
"New Delhi is quite cautious in handling its relations with Beijing and Tokyo. The <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Indian+government">Indian government</a> has no intention to take sides between China and Japan, aware that setting itself against Beijing will bring no good to New Delhi. 
 
"India is hoping to hitchhike on China's rise to obtain more economic benefits, and thus is unwilling to offend the world's second largest economy. Knowing that China-Japan relationship is far from perfect, the Indian government is cautious in developing ties with Tokyo, so as to leave itself some leeway in handling its relations with Beijing," it said. 
 
The Indian government prioritises economic development over the need to balance and contain China's rise, it said adding that by cooperating with Japan, India looks forward to reaping more profits from Japanese enterprises. 
 
"Given its high expectations toward investments from both Japan and China, New Delhi is attempting to strike a balance between the two countries," it said. 
 
Highlighting China's concerns over India's invitation to Japan to take part in the annual Malabar naval exercises along with the US, it said the move has cast a shadow on regional security and stability. 
 
"The India-launched anti-submarine drill was most likely targeting China. New Delhi, annoyed by Beijing's presence in surrounding areas, invited Tokyo to the drill as a counter measure," it said. 
 
"Although the likelihood of India turning hostile against China remains quite low, the two nations still suffer from misunderstanding and distrust. While the Indian government may regard Beijing's presence in its surrounding waters as provocative, the Chinese side is also dissatisfied and annoyed by the naval drill. Given this, the two sides should talk more," it said. 
 
"Nonetheless, there is no need for China to be too concerned about a closer <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=India-Japan+relationship">India-Japan relationship</a>. The annual summits between the top Indian and Japanese leaders have been carried out for years. Yet, Beijing is highly concerned if New Delhi-Tokyo cooperation poses a threat to the regional peace and stability. Beijing shares many common interests and divergences with New Delhi. The two sides need to communicate more in the future," it said. 
 
Image credit: Indiatimes

Chinese
media predicts anti-China strategy behind Shinzo Abe’s India visit

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54e536fb6da81135672d7d30-2400/rtr4mwmn.jpg" alt="Indian Navy" data-mce-source="REUTERS/Jim Bourg" data-mce-caption="Indian Navy sailors watch as military vehicle parades past during India's Republic Day parade in New Delhi January 26, 2015. " />REUTERS/Jim BourgIndian sailors watch military vehicle on parade during India's Republic Day parade in New Delhi, January 26, 2015.</div></div></div><ul><li>India is increasingly wary of Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean.</li><li>In response, India has worked to boost its military capacity and build partnerships with countries in the region.</li></ul><hr /> A spike in tensions between China and India along their <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-chinas-xi-wants-to-put-relations-with-india-on-right-track-xinhua-2017-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">shared border</a> in the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/video-of-chinese-indian-troops-fighting-with-stones-at-himalaya-border-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Himalayas</a> this summer <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-india-and-china-agree-to-disengagement-along-disputed-frontier-indian-government-statement-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">eased</a> in August, but the two Asian powers are still at odds.China has grown its influence in the region through commercial and infrastructure deals with countries throughout Asia, including those that border India.Beijing's expanding ties have concerned its neighbors, perhaps none more so than India, which regards Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean warily.As a result, New Delhi has sought to strengthen its diplomatic ties with neighbors and bolster its military capacity - drawing on longstanding relations with the US and other partners in the region to do so.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54e4c2a269bedd4e6abdd5e5-2400/rtr2urgz.jpg" alt="India Navy" data-mce-source="Reuters" />ReutersAn Indian soldier.</div></div></div>China has pursued commercial port and infrastructure projects in <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/indias-concern-with-beijing-expansion-grows-with-sri-lanka-port-deal-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sri Lanka</a>, Myanmar, and Pakistan and has opened facilities in the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/mar/22/china-seychelles-indian-fears-encirclement?CMP=share_btn_tw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Seychelles</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/china-troops-to-overseas-base-operational-security-concerns-for-us-2017-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Djibouti</a>, the stated purposes of which include humanitarian and anti-piracy efforts, though they appear to have military uses as well.India, for its part, has continued its years-long efforts to build security relationships with its neighbors in the region, and it appears to be taking a more <a href="http://foreignpolicy.com/2017/10/17/is-india-starting-to-flex-its-military-muscles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">muscular approach</a> to defending its interests, putting a special focus on its maritime approaches.A <a href="https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/files/Indian_Maritime_Security_Strategy_Document_25Jan16.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">document</a> released by the Indian navy in late 2015 noted that the country's "prominent peninsular orientation and flanking island chains overlook strategic sea lanes in the Indian Ocean, linking her security and prosperity inextricably to the seas."<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/59fbbd794d05acc3008b605b-2400/rts1evut.jpg" alt="India navy ship vessel Philippines" data-mce-source="REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco" data-mce-caption="Members of the Indian Navy aboard INS Kadmatt arrive for a four-day goodwill visit, aiming to strengthen ties between India and the Philippines, at Pier 15 in Port Area, metro Manila, Philippines, October 3, 2017." />REUTERS/Romeo RanocoIndian sailors aboard INS Kadmatt arrive for a four-day goodwill visit in the Philippines, October 3, 2017.</div></div></div>Chinese activity in the seas surrounding India has also led New Delhi to shift its strategic posture.After long focusing on the country's northern borders, Indian leaders have turned their attention to the country's nearly 5,000-mile-long southern coastline, where security and energy infrastructure is concentrated."This is a tectonic shift in India's security calculus, that it has to protect its southern flank," Brahma Chellaney, a strategic-studies professor at the Center for Policy Research, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/10/world/asia/india-us-japan-war-games-china.html?smid=tw-nytimesworld&amp;smtyp=cur&amp;_r=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">told</a> The New York Times this summer.In July, Japan, India, and the US took part in the latest iteration of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/malabar-2017-photos-of-us-india-and-japan-war-games-in-indian-ocean-2017-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Malabar naval exercises</a>, in which anti-submarine warfare was a major component.Maritime security was <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-japan-begin-anti-submarine-warfare-exercise/articleshow/61322598.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a focus</a> of the Indian <keyword id="6354810" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Defense">defense</keyword> minister's bilateral meetings with Japanese officials in September. It was also slated to be a <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/james-mattis-india-visit-aimed-at-taking-indo-us-defence-ties-to-next-level-4858715/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">topic of discussion</a> during Defense Secretary Jim Mattis' trip to India in late September.In October, India and Indonesia - both democracies and neighbors on the Indian Ocean - carried out <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/india-indonesia-maritime-patrols-kick-off" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">another round</a> of biannual joint naval patrols, aimed at boosting interoperability between their forces.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/597a1489b50ab1011c8b484f-2400/rtx2mrmr.jpg" alt="India navy submarine shipyard" data-mce-source="REUTERS/Shailesh Andrade/File" data-mce-caption="Employees stand in front of the Indian navy's first Scorpene submarine before being undocked from Mazagon Docks, a naval-vessel ship-building yard, in Mumbai, April 6, 2015." />REUTERS/Shailesh Andrade/FileEmployees stand in front of the Indian navy's first Scorpene submarine before being undocked from Mazagon Docks, a naval-vessel ship-building yard, in Mumbai, April 6, 2015.</div></div></div>During the last days of October, India and Japan <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-japan-begin-anti-submarine-warfare-exercise/articleshow/61322598.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">carried out</a> intensive anti-submarine warfare exercises in the Indian Ocean, involving naval aircraft from both countries.French Defense Minister Florence Parly was also recently in India, where she discussed the strategic situation in South Asia and helped prepare for French President Emmanuel Macron's visit in early December. India and France have also <a href="https://mediaindia.eu/business-politics/india-france-enhance-maritime-cooperation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">expanded their joint efforts</a> to monitor activity in the Indian Ocean."We are sharing information in all formats - human, satellite and even electromagnetic as both the countries are worried about the implications that the Chinese expansion in the Indian Ocean region can mean to the international community," a senior French official reportedly <a href="https://mediaindia.eu/business-politics/india-france-enhance-maritime-cooperation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">said</a>.Japan is also expected to propose a <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-diplomacy-kono/japan-to-propose-strategic-dialogue-with-u-s-india-and-australia-nikkei-idUSKBN1CV03K" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">strategic dialogue</a> between it, the US, India, and Australia to counter Chinese expansion in Asia via its "Belt and Road" policy, which is aimed at establishing trade and transportation networks in the region.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57dab3bcb0ef97f0288b5aa2-1000/amig29kaircraftlandsoninsvikramaditya.jpg" alt="MiG 29K aircraft INS Vikramaditya indian navy aircraft carrier" data-mce-source="Indian Navy" data-mce-caption="MiG-29K of INAS 303 prepares to catch the wire aboard the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya in 2014" data-link="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan_MiG-29K#/media/File:A_MiG_29K_aircraft_lands_on_INS_Vikramaditya.jpg" /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan_MiG-29K#/media/File:A_MiG_29K_aircraft_lands_on_INS_Vikramaditya.jpg">Indian Navy</a>A MiG-29K prepares land aboard Indian aircraft carrier Vikramaditya in 2014.</div></div></div>Alongside those diplomatic efforts, India has worked to improve and expand its military capacity, drawing up a list <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-defence-firms-eye-billion-dollar-chance-for-made-in-india-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tens of billions of dollars</a> of foreign fighter jets, armored vehicles, submarines, and helicopters it is looking and pursue a "Made in India" policy in order to develop its domestic defense industry.The first of six diesel-electric advanced attack submarines - designed by a French firm and built in India - is <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/scorpene-class-submarine-likely-to-be-commissioned-by-november-december/articleshow/60839555.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">expected</a> to be commissioned in November or December. And this summer, New Delhi contacted foreign shipyards about <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/india-to-buy-submarines-amid-china-naval-activity-in-the-indian-ocean-2017-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">building six nonnuclear submarines</a>.German and French shipbuilders have <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-defence-firms-eye-billion-dollar-chance-for-made-in-india-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">expressed interest</a> in an Indian submarine contract worth up to $10 billion. India has also talked to Japan about buying advanced subs, but reaching a deal has been <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-13/abe-modi-bromance-may-not-overcome-hurdles-to-submarine-sale" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">difficult</a> for both sides.India has agreed to buy US-made drones that could be used to track Chinese maritime activity and to purchase <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2017/06/boeing-wins-contract-to-support-indian-navys-new-sub-killer-planes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">P-81 Neptune</a> aircraft, one of the most advanced anti-submarine-warfare planes in the world. (The waters around the Malacca Strait, which connects the Indian and Pacific Oceans, are <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/malabar-2017-photos-of-us-india-and-japan-war-games-in-indian-ocean-2017-7/#while-indias-navy-is-smaller-than-chinas-new-delhis-control-of-the-andaman-and-nicobar-islands-give-it-advantageous-position-relative-to-the-malacca-strait-which-connects-east-and-southeast-asia-to-the-indian-ocean-in-june-indian-warships-were-assigned-247-patrols-at-the-western-edge-of-the-malacca-strait-to-monitor-maritime-movement-in-the-area-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">an area of focus</a> for India.)<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/596e034ea47cb547008b4d38-1000/1000wq95-19.jpg" alt="US Navy Indian navy sailors" data-mce-source="(US Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tyler Preston/Released)" data-mce-caption="Lt. Christopher Ground, damage-control assistant aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83), gives a tour to sailors from the Indian navy aboard the Howard, which is currently deployed in the US 7th Fleet area of operations." />(US Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tyler Preston/Released)Lt. Christopher Ground gives a tour to Indian sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard.</div></div></div>"I believe that the US is ready to help India modernize its military. India has been designated a major defense partner of the US. This is a strategic declaration that's unique to India and the US. It places India on the same level that we have many of our treaty allies," US Navy Adm. Harry Harris, head of Pacific Command, <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/us-ready-to-help-india-modernise-its-military-says-top-us-commander-harry-harris-1737122" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">said</a> in August.Prior to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US this summer, India's defense minister <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/global/2017/06/22/india-russia-to-iron-out-defense-projects-worth-10b/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">went to Russia</a> to address weapons deals that had been delayed, including the purchase of four frigates and the lease of a nuclear-powered submarine.The Indian navy has asked Russian aircraft manufacturer MiG to "<a href="https://www.defensenews.com/land/2017/08/04/indian-navy-wants-russian-mig-29k-jets-to-be-ruggedized/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ruggedize</a>" its MiG-29K aircraft to better withstand aircraft-carrier operations. India is also <a href="http://forceindia.net/decks-cleared-contract-signing-s-400-adms-december/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">set to buy</a> Russia's advanced S-400 missile-defense system. Russia also overhauled and updated the <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/slideshows/infrastructure/russian-warship-to-indian-icon-ins-vikramadityas-journey-in-pics/virkamaditya-jpg/slideshow/57651589.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vikramaditya</a> aircraft carrier for India between 2004 and 2013, though New Delhi <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2016/11/confirmed-indias-next-aircraft-carrier-will-be-nuclear/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">has pursued</a> indigenously built aircraft carriers since.India has contracted a South Korean firm to build <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2017/08/17/india-mine-sweeper-program-hits-another-roadblock/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">minesweepers</a> and with Russia to acquire <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/air/2017/10/20/indian-air-force-wants-out-of-fighter-program-with-russia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">fifth-generation fighters</a> - those projects have foundered, however.India imports <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-defence-firms-eye-billion-dollar-chance-for-made-in-india-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">about 90%</a> of defense equipment, and its "Made in India" initiative seeks to bring foreign firms to India to partner with domestic companies - deals that would bring India's homegrown defense contractors up to global standards. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/helima-croft-rbc-commodities-emerging-markets-oil-demand-growth-2017-7">RBC commodity chief: India and China will dictate oil's future</a></h3> <div> <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/zf13ZYZf-xjRU7l6Z.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script> </div> </div>

You Searched For "Malabar naval exercise" and got 6 results

India ropes in all QUAD nations to participate in Malabar naval exercise

PTI

Beyond ‘khichdi’ and ‘samosa’ ⁠— a former diplomat explains why four agreements will take India and Australia ties to the next level

Prabhjote Gill

India's deadly mountain-top showdown with China could lead to more military activity at sea

Christopher Woody

India, US are warming up military ties, to increase bilateral exercises

BI India Bureau

Chinese media predicts anti-China strategy behind Shinzo Abe’s India visit

BI India Bureau

Amid simmering tensions with China, India is looking to gain an advantage at sea

Christopher Woody