India, Japan, the United States and Australia have concluded the 24th edition of the Malabar Exercise. The multilateral naval exercise includes war games, combat maneuvers, anti-submarine warfare and anti-air warfare operations.

This year it is significant because of Australia's participation for the first time since 2007. This brings all quad partners together for this naval exercise. This exercise began in 1992 with just India and the United States and has grown over the years.

How important is this exercise for freedom of navigation, rule of law in the maritime domain and India’s security, especially at a time when India is facing border tensions with Pakistan and China?

To discuss that, CNBC-TV18’ Parikshit Luthra spoke to Admiral Sunil Lanba (Retd), the former chief of Naval Staff.

(Edited by : Bivekananda Biswas)