BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise 2026
Key points
Why in the News?
India is hosting the inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from 30 October to 3 November 2026.
The exercise is an important initiative announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, held in Thailand in April 2025.
It focuses on strengthening maritime security cooperation among the seven BIMSTEC member countries.
Key Facts
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Exercise | BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise |
Edition | First (Inaugural) |
Host Country | India |
Location | Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
Dates | 30 October – 3 November 2026 |
Host Command | Andaman and Nicobar Command |
Participating Member Countries | 7 |
Main Focus | Maritime Security and Regional Cooperation |
Associated Summit | 6th BIMSTEC Summit, Thailand (2025) |
Participating Countries
The exercise brings together all seven BIMSTEC member countries:
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Myanmar
Nepal
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Major Objectives
The BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise aims to:
Strengthen Maritime Security: Improve regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal.
Enhance Interoperability: Improve coordination among participating maritime forces.
Maritime Domain Awareness: Strengthen monitoring and information sharing regarding activities at sea.
Disaster Response: Promote cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).
Regional Stability: Support a secure and peaceful maritime environment.
Structure of the Exercise
The exercise consists of two phases:
Phase | Duration | Activities |
|---|---|---|
Tabletop Exercise | 3 Days | Discussions, planning and coordination |
Harbour Phase | 2 Days | Maritime cooperation activities involving participating ships and delegations |
About BIMSTEC
BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.
It is a regional organisation connecting countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Established | 6 June 1997 |
Founding Declaration | Bangkok Declaration |
Headquarters | Dhaka, Bangladesh |
Member Countries | 7 |
Founding Members | Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand |
Current Secretary-General | Indra Mani Pandey |
Main Objectives | Regional cooperation, connectivity, trade and security |
Importance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are strategically located near important shipping routes in the eastern Indian Ocean.
The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is India's first integrated tri-service command, bringing together personnel and capabilities from the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The region plays an important role in maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and disaster response.
Significance of the Exercise
The exercise is significant because it strengthens practical maritime cooperation among BIMSTEC countries.
It supports regional coordination in the Bay of Bengal, improves preparedness for maritime emergencies and encourages the exchange of best practices.
It also highlights India's role in promoting maritime cooperation between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
The first BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise represents an important development in regional defence and maritime cooperation.
By bringing together all seven BIMSTEC member countries, the exercise aims to improve coordination and promote a safe, stable and secure maritime environment in the Bay of Bengal.
