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Malabar 2025 Begins at Guam With India, U.S., Japan and Australia

The drills test Quad naval interoperability following a new U.S.–India defense framework despite sharp tariff friction.

Overview

  • The nine-day exercise runs November 10–18 at the U.S. base in Guam, bringing together the four Quad navies for this year's edition.
  • India’s guided-missile stealth frigate INS Sahyadri has docked in Guam to participate, with the Navy highlighting its indigenous design under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat effort.
  • A harbor phase focused on operational planning and communications alignment precedes sea drills centered on joint fleet operations, anti-submarine warfare, gunnery serials and flying operations.
  • This is the first IndiaU.S. military engagement since the two countries signed a new framework for their major defense partnership last month.
  • The exercise proceeds despite U.S. tariffs of 50% on India, and reporters note related changes to other drills, including the deferral of the Cope India air exercise and limited U.S. bomber participation.