AKIPRESS.COM - The first phase of the "Malabar" joint military exercise between India, Japan and the US took off on Friday at Japan's Sasebo city.

The first harbour phase will conclude on June 13. The second sea phase will run from June 14-17 off Okinawa Island.

"Malabar 2016 will be another significant step in strengthening mutual confidence and inter-operability as well as sharing of best practices between the Indian, Japanese and US Navies," an Indian Navy statement said.

"The exercise will support maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, and benefit the global maritime community," the statement reads.

The Special Forces of the three navies will also interact during the exercise.