The Opening Ceremony of Malabar 2024 under the aegis of Eastern Naval Command was held onboard Indian Naval Ship Satpura at Visakhapatnam on October nine. The 28th edition of the multi-national maritime exercise that commenced on October eight and would extend till October 18, navy said here on Wednesday.

The Malabar exercise, which was initiated in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the US, gained further traction as a significant maritime engagement, with Japan and Australia joining in subsequently.

The ceremony, hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, was attended by senior naval and military dignitaries from participating nations.

The heads of delegations and other dignitaries participating included General Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Japan, Admiral Stephen Koehler, Commander US Pacific Fleet, Vice Admiral Katsushi Omachi, C-in-C, Japan Self Defence Fleet and Rear Admiral Chris Smith, Commander Australian Fleet.

The crew and planning staff of participating ships, aircraft and Special Forces from Australia, India, Japan and the USA were also present.

The Commanders of all participating navies acknowledged the importance of the exercise in enhancing understanding, collaboration and engagement to address common maritime challenges and to create cooperative framework.

The exercise will be conducted in two distinct phases both at Harbour and at Sea. It will witness live weapon firings, complex surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drills and joint manoeuvres.