Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram): Turning regional maritime cooperation into coordinated action, the inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise commenced in Sri Vijaya Puram on October 30, bringing together naval forces and maritime agencies of seven member nations to strengthen collective security in the strategically vital Bay of Bengal. The exercise will continue until November 3, 2026.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand are participating in the exercise, marking a significant step towards strengthening regional maritime cooperation and operational coordination.
Being conducted under the theme “Translating Vision to Action – Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity”, the exercise builds on the outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and seeks to translate the grouping’s shared commitment to a secure, stable and prosperous Bay of Bengal into practical cooperation.
The exercise is divided into two phases. The Harbour Phase focuses on professional exchanges, joint planning and building mutual understanding, while the subsequent Sea Phase will involve coordinated maritime activities to enhance interoperability and operational preparedness among participating forces.
With the Bay of Bengal serving as a vital maritime corridor linking South and Southeast Asia and supporting international trade, connectivity and energy security, the exercise aims to strengthen maritime domain awareness, improve coordination mechanisms and facilitate the exchange of operational best practices.
The event also underscores the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the role of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s first tri-service command. Positioned close to critical sea lanes of communication, the Command plays a key role in maritime surveillance, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, besides facilitating regional maritime engagement.
The inaugural exercise is expected to reinforce collective maritime preparedness and regional solidarity, advancing a shared approach towards peace, stability and security in the Bay of Bengal.
