Is naval drill a sign that India, other Quad members can look past differences?

The Quad nations have completed a major round of naval drills, pressing ahead with their defence cooperation even as political tensions test the cohesion of the regional security bloc.

The decision to continue joint exercises reflects a “growing convergence of strategic interests” among the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue’s members and defence remaining high on the agenda despite trade and other disagreements among some of the bloc’s members, according to analysts.

Comprising Australia, India, Japan and the United States, the Quad this week concluded the Malabar exercise aimed at safeguarding a free and open order in the region’s maritime waters.

Held between November 10 and November 18 off Guam’s waters in the Northern Pacific, the naval exercise involved drills on anti-submarine and anti-air warfare, as well as counter-piracy operations.

Analysts view the annual Malabar exercises as a counterweight to China’s growing influence in the region.

Naval ships, aircraft and special forces from the Royal Australian Navy, Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force and the US Navy took part in the drills, during which India showcased its self-designed stealth guided-missile frigate INS Sahyadri.