Vice Admiral AN Pramod, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, visited Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Japan during the ongoing multilateral maritime Exercise MALABAR 2026, which brings together the naval forces of India, Japan, the United States and Australia. The exercise aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance interoperability and promote peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
The visit comes as the four participating nations undertake a series of coordinated naval engagements designed to deepen mutual understanding, strengthen professional relationships and improve operational coordination among their maritime forces.
MALABAR 2026 commenced at Yokosuka, Japan, on November 5, with an opening ceremony hosted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Vice Admiral AN Pramod attended the ceremony alongside senior naval commanders from Japan, Australia and the United States.
The opening engagements included discussions among senior naval leaders on maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and the future development of the MALABAR exercise.
Senior participants included Vice Admiral Omachi Katsushi, Commander of Japan’s Self Defense Fleet; Rear Admiral Anita Williams, Commander Australian Fleet; and Vice Admiral Patrick J. Hannifin, Commander of the US Seventh Fleet.
The Indian Navy is represented in the exercise by INS Sahyadri, an indigenously built guided-missile stealth frigate of the Eastern Fleet. The warship arrived at Yokosuka Naval Base on November 4, where it received a ceremonial welcome from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
The exercise involves professional exchanges, coordinated operational planning and maritime training aimed at enhancing the ability of the four navies to operate together in complex security environments.
The harbour phase includes interactions among participating naval personnel, while the sea phase will involve coordinated operations by warships and other maritime assets from the four nations.
The visit to Naval Air Facility Atsugi also highlights the importance of naval aviation infrastructure and maritime cooperation in supporting joint exercises and strengthening professional engagement among participating forces.
The MALABAR exercise series began in 1992 as a bilateral naval engagement between India and the United States. Over the years, it has developed into a major multilateral exercise, with Japan and Australia joining the framework.
Today, the exercise serves as an important platform for the four Indo-Pacific partners to enhance operational interoperability, exchange maritime expertise and strengthen mutual confidence.
A key objective of MALABAR 2026 is to contribute towards a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, ensuring that maritime activities are conducted in accordance with international law while supporting regional peace, stability and the rules-based maritime order.
For India, participation in MALABAR 2026 reinforces its commitment to working with like-minded maritime partners to address shared security challenges, protect vital sea lanes and strengthen cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
The exercise also aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which emphasises Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Vice Admiral AN Pramod’s visit to Japan and participation in the senior-level engagements underline the Indian Navy’s continuing efforts to deepen defence partnerships and promote coordinated maritime security initiatives.
Through MALABAR 2026, India, Japan, the United States and Australia are strengthening mutual trust, enhancing operational cooperation and reaffirming their shared commitment to a secure, stable and open Indo-Pacific region.
