The Ministry of Defence announced on 31 October 2026 that the inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise is taking place from 30 October to 3 November 2026. The exercise involves Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand to improve regional security and coordination in the Bay of Bengal. It focuses on enhancing interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and the exchange of best practices. The Andaman and Nicobar Command plays a key role due to its strategic location and capabilities in surveillance and disaster relief.
Key points
- Event: Inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise from 30 Oct to 03 Nov 2026
- Participants: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand
- Goals: Improve interoperability, maritime domain awareness and coordination
- Location Focus: Bay of Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
When it applies
- start of the inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise
- end of the inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise
Who it affects
- BIMSTEC member states
Refers to
- 6th BIMSTEC Summit