BIMSTEC Nations Begin First Maritime Security Exercise in Bay of Bengal from October 30 to November 3, 2026

Key facts

• The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise is being conducted from October 30 to November 3, 2026, marking a milestone in maritime cooperation among BIMSTEC member states.
• The exercise brings together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
• The exercise builds on the outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit held under the theme 'BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open'.
• Its aims include enhancing interoperability, strengthening maritime domain awareness, improving coordination mechanisms and exchanging best practices among member states.
• The exercise highlights the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India's first integrated tri-service command.
• The exercise embodies the theme 'Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity' and reflects BIMSTEC's resolve of 'Translating Vision to Action'.