First BIMSTEC maritime security exercise begins in Bay of Bengal

The first BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise has been organized to advance maritime cooperation among BIMSTEC member countries. Member countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand are participating in this exercise being held from October 30 to November 03, 2026. This initiative will strengthen the shared commitment of member countries for regional security, stability and prosperity in the Bay of Bengal.

According to a PIB Delhi report, this exercise is based on the outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, whose theme was "BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open". This activity provides a practical framework for enhancing maritime cooperation and operational linkage among participating nations. It reflects BIMSTEC's collective resolve to "turn vision into action", strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual maritime interest and regional security mechanisms.

喜び The Bay of Bengal is an important maritime space connecting South and Southeast Asia, which aids in trade, connectivity, energy security and economic development. The main objective of this exercise is to enhance interoperability among countries, strengthen maritime domain awareness, improve coordination mechanisms and promote the exchange of best practices.

During this exercise, the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the role of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India's first integrated tri-services command, will also be highlighted. Located on crucial sea lanes, the Andaman and Nicobar Command holds an important place in maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, search and rescue as well as regional engagement capabilities, serving as an important pillar for maritime security in the Bay of Bengal. This exercise fulfills the spirit of "Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity".