Australia to join Malabar naval exercise next month

Amid the ongoing stand-off with China in eastern Ladakh, the Ministry of Defence on Monday announced that Australia would join the Malabar 2020 naval exercise, consisting of India, Japan and the U.S., to be held next month, more than three years after Australia first requested to join.

Also read: Government mulls Australia’s entry into Malabar naval exercise

“As India seeks to increase cooperation with other countries in the maritime security domain and in the light of increased defence cooperation with Australia, Malabar 2020 will see the participation of the Australian Navy,” the Ministry said in a statement.

Read more: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/australia-to-join-malabar-naval-exercise-next-month/article32892277.ece