The 27th Edition of Exercise MALABAR

Current Context: The 27th edition of Exercise MALABAR, a multilateral naval exercise involving the United States, Japan, India and Australia as permanent partners, concluded on the East Coast of Australia off Sydney on Monday, August 21, 2023.

• The exercise was conducted in two phases, which included a harbour phase and a sea phase, and involved various activities such as fighter combat operations, anti-submarine warfare, diving salvage operations, amphibious operations and cross-deck helicopter landings.
• The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability, shared values and collective ability of the four participating nations to ensure a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
• The exercise also showcased the coordination and integration of air assets between the Indian, Australian and US maritime patrol aircraft units.
• The exercise was a demonstration of the strong cooperation and commitment of the QUAD countries to maritime security and regional stability.

Question:

Q.1 Which of the following countries is not a permanent partner of Exercise MALABAR?
a. United States
b. Japan
c. India
d. China