About the Exercise  

• The Malabar exercise started in 1992 as a bilateral drill between the Indian Navy and the U.S. Navy in the Indian Ocean.  
• Japan became a permanent member of the exercise in 2015.  
• Following India’s invitation, Australia participated in the Malabar exercise in 2020, which effectively made it a drill by all four member nations of the Quad. 

Why in News?

• India is set to participate in 26th International Malabar Naval Exercise beginning in Yokosuka of Japan. 
• Australia, Japan and the USA are also participating in the Malabar Naval Exercise. 

reference:

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Indian-Navy-participates-Malabar-Naval-Exercise-in-Japan&id=450565