India, the US and Japan on Monday started their eight-day naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal aimed at greater military cooperation.

Sixteen ships, two submarines and 95 aircraft are participating in the Malabar series of exercises from July 10 to 17.

"The primary aim of this exercise is to increase interoperability amongst the three navies as well as develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations," the Indian Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The focus of trilateral exercises this year includes aircraft carrier operations, air defence and anti-submarine warfare.

The US Navy is represented by the ships from its Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and other units from the US 7th Fleet.

India's participation includes the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya with its air wing, guided missile destroyer Ranvir, frigates Shivalik and Sahyadri, corvette Kamorta, and missile corvettes Kora and Kirpan.

Japan has sent its helicopter carrier JS Izumo with SH 60K helicopters and missile destroyer JS Sazanami.

"The exercise is a demonstration of the joint commitment of all three nations to address common maritime challenges across the spectrum of operations and will go a long way in enhancing maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region," the Indian statement said.

-- BERNAMA