India, along with Japan, Australia and the United States (US) is ready for round two of the Malabar naval exercise off the coast of Goa starting from Tuesday (17 November).
This year India invited Australia and now the combined naval forces of the four QUAD nations will embark on a series of military exercises to enhance cooperation and interoperability.
The Quad is a strategic alliance and this year, must to the dismay of China, Australia was invited to take part in the Malabar exercise in more than a decade.
Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds called the Malabar exercise, A demonstration of the strategic trust between the four democracies but also strengthened the collective ability to contribute to regional security.”
For Communist China, the Quad is a strategic and geopolitical challenge and a thorn on the heel of President Xi Jinping led Chinese Communist Party (CCP) establishment. Many articles have been published in Chinese newspapers attacking both India and Australia for creating unnecessary tension in the region.
In 2007, several countries bowed down to Chinese pressure and India could also be counted among those nations who did not want to upset China. However, India under Prime Minister Modi has remained firm this time and ensured Australia participated in these crucial naval exercises.