Indian, U.S. Navies strengthen partnership, joint capabilities

ASAN, Guam (Aug. 25, 2021) – Representatives and ships of the Indian navy are visiting Guam for a scheduled port visit in the midst of its deployment to support exercise Malabar 2021.

During the visit, Indian navy Vice Adm. Ajendra Bahadur Singh, flag officer commanding-in-chief, Indian Navy Eastern Naval Command along with Rear Adm. Tarun Sobti, commander, Eastern Fleet (FOCEF) were hosted by Rear Adm. Leonard C. “Butch” Dollaga, commander, Submarine Group 7 (CSG 7). During the visit they met with Navy leadership and toured various naval units.

“It was a real pleasure to host Vice Adm. Singh, Rear Adm. Sobti and our other Indian navy partners,” said Rear Adm. Dollaga. “They share a common understanding of conducting maritime operations in a dynamic environment, and in particular, beneath the sea. What better way to demonstrate our shared commitment to ensuring regional security and stability than by having these types of exchanges that enrich our professional relationships and further our cooperation and interoperability.”

Shivalik-class multi-role stealth frigate INS Shivalik (F 47), and Kamorta-class anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kadmatt (P 29) arrived in Guam as part of their ongoing deployment to the Indo-Pacific Region.

“We are pleased to host our Indian friends as they transit the region to support Malabar 21,” Joint Region Marianas Commander Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson said. “These visits provide us the opportunity to enhance and develop partnerships in the region, which is key to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Exercise Malabar is an annual maritime exercise that enhances planning, training, and employment of advanced warfare tactics among the Royal Australian Navy, Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and U.S. Navy.