Sri Vijaya Puram, November 1: The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise, being conducted at Sri Vijaya Puram from October 30 to November 2, marks a significant milestone in strengthening maritime cooperation, regional security and operational coordination among the member states of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
Bringing together seven member nations, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, the exercise underscores their collective commitment towards ensuring peace, stability, security and sustainable development in the Bay of Bengal region. The exercise brings together partner navies and maritime agencies to enhance mutual understanding, strengthen operational coordination and promote collaborative approaches to shared maritime challenges.
Building upon the outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, held under the theme “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”, the exercise seeks to translate the shared vision of regional cooperation into practical action. It provides a platform for strengthening maritime partnerships, enhancing operational linkages and fostering greater coordination among participating nations.
The exercise is being conducted in two phases, the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase. The Harbour Phase focuses on professional exchanges, operational planning, knowledge sharing and discussions aimed at building mutual trust, understanding and cooperation among participating nations. The Sea Phase focuses on enhancing interoperability, strengthening coordination and improving the ability of participating maritime forces to operate effectively together at sea.
The Bay of Bengal, a strategically important maritime region connecting South and South-East Asia, plays a vital role in international trade, connectivity, energy security and economic growth. Recognising its growing strategic significance, the exercise aims to enhance maritime domain awareness, strengthen coordination mechanisms, facilitate the exchange of best practices and promote a safe, secure and stable maritime environment.
The exercise also highlights the strategic importance of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the pivotal role of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s first integrated Tri-Service Command, in safeguarding maritime interests and promoting regional security. Strategically located near critical sea lanes of communication, the Command plays an important role in maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), search and rescue (SAR), and regional maritime engagement.
By combining professional exchanges and coordinated activities at sea, the exercise seeks to transform a shared vision of maritime security into practical cooperation. It reflects the collective resolve of BIMSTEC member states to address common maritime challenges through enhanced interoperability, mutual trust and sustained regional engagement.
The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise represents an important step towards strengthening regional maritime partnerships and fostering a cooperative security framework in the Bay of Bengal. Embodying the spirit of “Translating Vision to Action” and “Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity”, the exercise reaffirms the commitment of BIMSTEC nations towards a secure, open and inclusive maritime domain.
Seven Nations. One Bay. One Shared Resolve.
