The maiden BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise successfully concluded at Sri Vijaya Puram on November 3, marking a significant milestone in strengthening maritime cooperation, naval interoperability and collective security among member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
The exercise was conducted from October 30 to November 3 under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s only tri-service operational command, headed by Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command.
The exercise witnessed the participation of naval ships from BIMSTEC member states, including Indian Naval Ships INS Taragiri, INS Karmuk and INS Saryu, Myanmar Navy Ship UMS King Aung Zeya and Sri Lanka Navy Ship SLNS Gajabahu.
Several senior dignitaries and representatives from BIMSTEC member countries attended the engagements. They included BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey, National Maritime Security Coordinator Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd.), Commander of the Central Naval Command of the Myanmar Navy Rear Admiral Kyaw Kyaw Htoo, Director (Monitoring and Evaluation) in Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation Air Vice Marshal MDR Prasad (Retd.), and Commanding Officer of Bangladesh Navy Ship BNS Prottoy Captain Mohammad Monzurul Islam.
Focus on maritime interoperability and collective security
Conducted in the spirit of the Delhi Declaration and in furtherance of the outcomes of the 4th BIMSTEC Experts Group Meeting on Maritime Security Cooperation held in November 2025, the exercise provided a platform for participating navies to improve interoperability, strengthen professional engagement and enhance mutual understanding through coordinated maritime activities.
The exercise comprised harbour and sea phases. The harbour phase at Sri Vijaya Puram featured high-level engagements, professional interactions and cultural exchanges, providing opportunities for participating delegations to strengthen institutional relationships and deepen bonds of friendship.
The subsequent sea phase, conducted off Sri Vijaya Puram from November 2 to 3, involved coordinated maritime deployments and collaborative operational activities. These engagements demonstrated the participating countries’ collective commitment to maintaining a secure and stable maritime environment in the region.
Strengthening security in the Bay of Bengal
Beyond operational cooperation, the exercise helped foster camaraderie among naval personnel and reinforced the shared vision of BIMSTEC nations for a prosperous, resilient and open Bay of Bengal.
It also highlighted the collective resolve of member countries to address common maritime challenges and safeguard shared maritime interests through sustained cooperation and coordinated action.
The successful conclusion of the maiden exercise marks an important step towards institutionalising greater maritime engagement among BIMSTEC member states.
For the Andaman and Nicobar Command, hosting the landmark exercise further underscores its strategic role in promoting regional maritime cooperation and contributing to peace, security and stability across the Bay of Bengal.
The exercise is also expected to provide a strong foundation for future collaborative maritime security initiatives under the BIMSTEC framework.
(PIB)
