Malabar 2017 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises that has grown in scope and complexity over the years to address the variety of shared threats to maritime security in the Indo-Asia - Pacific region.

The primary aim of this exercise amongst the three navies of India, U.S. and Japan was to increase the effectiveness of concerted operability and collaboration and to reinforce the strength and resilience in the mutual relationship in many areas, including maritime security operations.

The 21 ^st edition of the exercise – MALABAR 2017 was carried out by the naval forces of India, Japan and the USA in the Bay of Bengal, from 9 ^th to 14 ^th July 2017 off Chennai. 95 aircraft, 16 ships and 2 submarines from the three countries participated in the exercise that both sea and shore and were composed of included professional exchanges on carrier strike group operations, maritime patrol, reconnaissance operations, surface to surface and anti-submarine warfare.

Some of the drills included professional exchanges on carrier strike group operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance, surface to surface and anti-submarine warfare, medical attendance and evacuation, damage control, explosive and ordnance disposal and helicopter operations.

Some of the other events orchestrated were submarine familiarisation, air defence exercises, situational communication and search and rescue operations. Helicopter cross-deck evolutions, underway replenishments and gunnery exercises, liaison officer professional exchange and embarkations, photo exercises and VBSS exercise.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force ships JS Izumo (DDH 183) and JS Sazanami (DD113) participated in the exercise which was carried out in Chennai. Various requirements of the Japanese navy such as pontoon, tug, launch boat, fenders and gangways were arranged for this prestigious call.

J. M. Baxi & Co. was privileged to have been selected as the Agent for the Japanese Navy in order to support and facilitate the success of the mammoth exercise.

J. M. Baxi & Co. had to liaise with the Japanese Navy, their logistics team, the Indian navy, Chennai Port authorities, CISF, Immigration, Local police and other statutory agencies as required to make the support and facilitation seamless and efficient.