The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise, being conducted from October 30 to November 3, aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and enhance regional security among member states in the Bay of Bengal.
The exercise brings together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability, security and prosperity.
Building on the outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, held under the theme “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”, the exercise seeks to translate the regional grouping’s vision into practical cooperation through enhanced operational coordination and stronger maritime security mechanisms.
The Bay of Bengal is a strategically important maritime region connecting South and Southeast Asia and supporting trade, connectivity, energy security and economic growth. The exercise aims to improve interoperability, strengthen maritime domain awareness, enhance coordination mechanisms and facilitate the exchange of best practices among participating countries.
It also highlights 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. Located along critical sea lanes of communication, the command plays an important role in maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, search and rescue operations, and regional engagement.
The exercise underscores BIMSTEC members’ commitment to maintaining a secure, open and inclusive maritime domain, reflecting the shared vision of “Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity” and promoting peace, stability and sustainable development across the region.
(PIB)
