The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise, being conducted from October 30 to November 3, 2026, marks a significant step towards strengthening maritime cooperation and regional security among the seven member states of BIMSTEC.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand are participating in the exercise, which aims to enhance coordination, operational interoperability and collective responses to emerging maritime security challenges in the Bay of Bengal region.
Building on the outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, held under the theme “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”, the exercise seeks to translate regional commitments into practical cooperation. It provides a platform for participating nations to strengthen operational linkages, share best practices and deepen collaboration on issues of common maritime interest.
The Bay of Bengal holds considerable strategic and economic significance, connecting South and Southeast Asia while serving as a vital corridor for international trade, energy security and regional connectivity. Against this backdrop, the exercise focuses on improving maritime domain awareness, enhancing interoperability and strengthening information-sharing and coordination mechanisms among member states.
The exercise also brings into focus 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 close to key sea lanes of communication, the Command plays an important role in maritime surveillance, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as regional maritime engagement.
The inaugural exercise underscores the shared commitment of BIMSTEC nations to maintaining a secure, open and inclusive maritime domain. It reflects the collective vision of “Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity”, reinforcing regional solidarity for peace, stability and sustainable development across the Bay of Bengal.
