BIMSTEC Holds Its First Maritime Security Exercise in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Current development

BIMSTEC’s inaugural maritime security exercise is being conducted from 30 October to 3 November 2026, with the Andaman and Nicobar Command as the host setting. India’s Andaman and Nicobar Command is the country’s first integrated tri-service command. The exercise marks a new practical step in maritime cooperation among the seven members of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.

Why the Bay of Bengal matters

The Bay of Bengal connects South and Southeast Asia and carries important trade, energy and connectivity routes. Its security challenges include maritime crime, trafficking, illegal fishing, disasters and the need to coordinate responses across large sea areas. Cooperation among BIMSTEC states can build familiarity between maritime agencies and strengthen regional trust.

The exercise also highlights the strategic value of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which lie near major east–west sea lanes. A tri-service command can coordinate the Army, Navy and Air Force in the island territory. Exercises help participants practise communication and cooperation; they do not replace national command or create a collective-defence pact.

BIMSTEC context

BIMSTEC brings together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Unlike a purely maritime organisation, it works across several areas of regional cooperation. Maritime security complements its wider aims in connectivity, trade, energy and people-to-people links.

UPSC relevance

GS II: Regional groupings, India’s Neighbourhood First and Act East policies, Bay of Bengal cooperation. GS III: Maritime security and integrated defence commands. A strong answer links naval cooperation with rules-based commerce, humanitarian assistance and the security of sea lanes.

Source: Press Information Bureau, 2026 BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise.