Phase-2 of Malabar exercise begins in Bay of Bengal | PHOTOS

The Indian Navy deployed its frontline warships INS Ranvijay and INS Satpura, a submarine and a fleet of P8I long range maritime patrol aircraft for the exercise.

The US has deployed its nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier Carl Vinson for the four-day mega wargame.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force deployed helicopter carrier JS Kaga and Murasame-class destroyers JS Murasame while the Royal Australian Navy is being represented by HMAS Ballarat and HMAS Sirius, the officials said.

Following India's invitation, Australia participated in the Malabar exercise last year that effectively made it a drill by all four member nations of the Quad or Quadrilateral coalition. Australia participated in the first phase of Malabar exercise this year too.