MALABAR-2015 exercise will help maritime security in Indo-Pacific region

CHENNAI: Naval Exercise-' MALABAR', involving India, US and Japan, will help maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, the three navies said today.

"MALABAR-15 will be another significant step in strengthening mutual confidence and inter-operability as well as sharing best practices between the Indian, Japanese and US navies," a joint press release issued by them here said.

"The exercise will also go a long way in enhancing maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, for the benefit of the global maritime community," it said about the exercise which began yesterday.

The 19th edition of the October 14-19 exercise is being conducted in the Bay of Bengal and the thrust areas include anti-submarine warfare, air defence and search and rescue tactical procedures, among others.

A range of naval ships from the three countries, including INS Shivalik, USS Theodore Roosevelt and JS Fuyuzuki will be part of the exercise, it said.