Australia to host Malabar exercise, says Australian PM on board INS Vikrant

Mumbai:

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday that his country will host the Malabar exercise, a naval exercise involving Australia, India, the US and Japan.

Speaking on board the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant here, he also said that India will participate in Australia’s multinational Taweez Saber exercise for the first time.

Last year, India and Australia conducted more exercises, operations and dialogues than ever before, said the visiting Prime Minister. He said that in a major step in bilateral ties, India and Australia deployed maritime patrol aircraft in each other’s territory for the first time.

“In November alone we conducted increasingly complex and sophisticated exercises in the Indo-Pacific Endeavor and Exercise Australia,” said Anthony Albanese.

“I am delighted to formally announce aboard the magnificent INS Vikrant that Australia will host Exercise MALABAR for the first time later this year and India will also – for the first time – participate in Australia’s Talisman Saber exercise,” he said.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar received Anthony Albanese onboard Vikrant with a guard of honour.

The Australian Prime Minister said his visit reflects his government’s commitment to placing India at the center of Australia’s vision for the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

“But, arguably, what takes the defense relationship to new levels is the resolve and foresight of those who see the relationship not only for what it is, but also for what it can become,” he said. Only one person.”

Anthony Albanese said that the strategic importance of the India-Australia partnership is on the rise and there has never been a point in the history of the two countries where they have had such a strong strategic alignment.

He said there has never been a busier or more productive time in the bilateral defense and security partnership and that 2023 will be “busier than ever” in the region.

Both countries depend on free and open access to sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific for trade and economic well-being, Albanese said, adding that India and Australia share an unbreakable partnership to uphold the rules-based international order and ensure the Indo-Pacific share commitment. is open, inclusive and prosperous.

In particular, the growing assertiveness of China is being witnessed in the Indo-Pacific region.

Meanwhile, speaking about the Australia-India General Rawat Defense Officer Exchange Programme, Anthony Albanese said that this initiative by Prime Minister Modi will develop familiarity and trust between the defense personnel of the two countries which will lead to a close and long-lasting relationship. strengthens the

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