IndiaPosted at: Oct 31 2026 9:51PM


Inaugural BIMSTEC maritime security exercise begins, seven nations join regional cooperation initiative

New Delhi, Oct 31 (UNI) The first-ever BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise has commenced with the participation of seven member nations, marking a significant step towards strengthening regional maritime cooperation, enhancing operational coordination and ensuring security across the strategically important Bay of Bengal.
Being conducted from October 30 to November 3, 2026, the inaugural exercise brings together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, reflecting the collective commitment of BIMSTEC countries to maintaining a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment.
The exercise builds upon the outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, held under the theme “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”, and seeks to translate the regional grouping's shared vision into practical cooperation through enhanced maritime engagement and operational linkages.
With the Bay of Bengal serving as a vital maritime corridor connecting South and Southeast Asia, the exercise aims to improve interoperability among participating countries, strengthen maritime domain awareness, enhance coordination mechanisms and facilitate the exchange of operational best practices.
The maritime region holds considerable strategic and economic importance, serving as a major route for international trade, connectivity and energy supplies while supporting the economic growth of countries across the region.
Strengthening cooperation in this domain is therefore central to ensuring regional stability and safeguarding common maritime interests.
The exercise also underscores the strategic significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the role of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India's first integrated tri-service command, in the regional maritime security architecture.
Located astride critical sea lanes of communication, the command plays an important role in maritime surveillance, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, besides facilitating regional maritime engagement.
The initiative is expected to provide participating nations an opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding, share operational experience and develop closer coordination in addressing emerging maritime security challenges.
The inaugural exercise reflects BIMSTEC's broader resolve to deepen regional cooperation under the principle of “Translating Vision to Action”, while reinforcing the shared commitment of its seven member states towards peace, stability and sustainable development.
With the theme of “Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity”, the exercise highlights the importance of collective efforts in maintaining an open, secure and inclusive maritime domain in the Bay of Bengal.
UNI PWS RN
Tags: #Inaugural BIMSTEC maritime security exercise begins# seven nations join regional cooperation initiative
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