The Ministry of Defence announced the inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise, conducted from October 30 to November 3, 2026, marking a significant milestone in advancing maritime cooperation among the seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The exercise reinforces the shared commitment of member states towards regional security, stability, and prosperity in the Bay of Bengal, building upon the outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit under the theme 'BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open'.
The exercise provides a practical framework for enhancing maritime cooperation and operational linkages among participating nations, reflecting BIMSTEC's collective resolve to translate vision into action by advancing cooperation in areas of mutual maritime interest and strengthening regional security mechanisms. The Bay of Bengal is highlighted as a critical maritime space connecting South and South-East Asia, supporting trade, connectivity, energy security, and economic growth.
Key objectives of the exercise include enhancing interoperability, strengthening maritime domain awareness, improving coordination mechanisms, and promoting the exchange of best practices among BIMSTEC member states. The exercise also emphasizes the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the role of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India's first integrated tri-service command, located astride critical sea lanes of communication.
The ANC's capabilities in maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, search and rescue, and regional engagement are noted as important pillars of maritime security in the Bay of Bengal. The exercise embodies the spirit of 'Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity' and demonstrates regional solidarity in pursuit of peace, stability, and sustainable development.