The maneuvers are part of an annual event between the U.S. and Indian navies that, since 2014, has expanded to include Japan, signaling closer cooperation between the three countries that share concern about China’s military ambitions.
Dates for the exercises haven’t been disclosed.
U.S. Pacific Commander Adm. Harry Harris announced the location of this year’s exercises—called Malabar—at a conference in New Delhi Wednesday. The Indian navy said Japan would participate, but declined to confirm where the event would occur.
The U.S. has in recent months ratcheted up its warnings over what it calls China’s growing “militarization” of the South China Sea, where Beijing is embroiled in territorial disputes with a number of countries, including Vietnam and the Philippines. U.S. warships and aircraft have undertaken a series of operations in the region to challenge Beijing’s moves and U.S. officials are seeking to stitch Asian military powers into closer collaboration.
In recent statements, U.S. officials have prodded India to join its security operations, including patrols, that New Delhi has so far been reluctant to undertake. Adm. Harris said that, “on the security front, we need India’s leadership in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.”
In a veiled reference to efforts aimed at countering China’s activities, Adm. Harris proposed a four-way security dialogue including India, Japan, Australia and the U.S. to “amplify the message that we are united behind the international rules-based order,” adding, “No nation should perceive freedom of navigation operations as a threat.”
“We are ready for you,” Adm. Harris said, referring to India. “We need you.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a measured approach, advancing defense and strategic cooperation with the U.S. while avoiding steps that could provoke a reaction from Beijing, a neighbor with which India is engaged in long-standing territorial disputes and has fought a war.
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