2020 naval exercise consists of India, Japan and U.S.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. Australia reactionIn Canberra, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said that following an invitation from India, Australia would participate in Exercise Malabar 2020. “It will bolster the ability of India, Australia, Japan and the United States to work together to uphold peace and stability across our region,” she said. The participants of Exercise Malabar 2020 were engaging to enhance safety and security in the maritime domain, the Ministry said. Japan and the U.S. have been pressing India for Australia’s inclusion in Malabar.

Source: The Hindu October 19, 2020 10:56 UTC