Australia To Host Malabar Exercise 2023

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday that his country will host Exercise Malabar, a naval drill involving Australia, India, the US and Japan. Speaking onboard indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant here, he also said that India will for the first time participate in Australias multinational Talisman Sabre exercise.

In November alone we conducted increasingly complex and sophisticated exercises in Indo-Pacific Endeavour and Exercise Austrahind, Anthony Albanese said. I am pleased to announce formally, aboard the magnificent INS Vikrant, that later this year Australia will host Exercise Malabar for the first time and India will – also for the first time – participate in Australias Talisman Sabre exercise, he said. Anthony Albanese was received onboard Vikrant by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar with a Guard of Honour. The Australian prime minister said his visit reflected his governments commitment to place India at the heart of Australias approach to the Indo-Pacific and beyond. But arguably, what lifts defence relationships to new levels is the resolve and foresight of those who see the relationship not only for what it is, but what it could be.

Meanwhile, speaking about the Australia-India General Rawat Defence Officer Exchange Programme, Anthony Albanese said this initiative by Prime Minister Modi will ensure the defence personnel of the two countries develop familiarity and trust that underpins a close and long-lasting relationship.