The United States Navy and the Indian Navy are engaging in the 14th round of the Malabar series of exercises that will involve practicing anti-submarine warfare and special operations. According to a feature on The Telegraph India, this is something that the Indian Navy does not do with any other Navy except the U.S. Navy.

The U.S. Navy flotilla arrived in Goa on Friday afternoon. Participating in the exercises are the U.S. Navy SEALs, who will be part of the frontline units of the exercise. This is reportedly the first time that the U.S. Navy is sending the SEALs to these exercises.

The U.S. 7th Fleet that will be participating in the exercises includes the following vessels: a guided missile cruiser, the USS Shiloh; destroyers USS Chaffee and USS Lassen; frigate USS Curts; a Los Angeles class nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Annapolis; and two P3C Orion maritime surveillance aircraft. A 28-member US Navy special forces team will be engaged with the Indian Navy during the exercise.

As for the Indian Navy, their Western Fleet will be participating in the exercise, with the following vessels: guided missile destroyer, INS Mysore; three guided missile frigates, the INS Godavari, INS Brahmaputra and INS Tabar; a submarine, the INS Shankush; Sea Harrier fighter aircraft; and helicopters.

A statement from the Indian Navy reads: “Naval co-operation between India and USA epitomises the long-term strategic relationship between both countries. Both navies have, over the years, undertaken diverse bilateral activities such as training exchanges, information exchanges, and technical co-operation. Our nations have significant convergence of interests, especially in the maintenance of maritime security.”