Inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise held from 30 October to 3 November 2026
The Ministry of Defence said on 31 October 2026 that the inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise, bringing together all seven BIMSTEC members, is being held from 30 October to 3 November 2026 to boost maritime security in the Bay of Bengal.
Summary
The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise is being conducted from 30 October to 3 November 2026 with Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, the Ministry of Defence announced on 31 October 2026. The exercise builds on the outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, held under the theme 'BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open', and carries the motto 'Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity'. It aims to improve interoperability, maritime domain awareness and coordination in the Bay of Bengal, and highlights the role of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, India's first integrated tri-service command.
Key facts
- Exercise
- Inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise
- Dates
- 30 October – 3 November 2026
- Participants
- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand
- Motto
- Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity
- Builds on
- 6th BIMSTEC Summit – theme 'BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open'
- Focus area
- Bay of Bengal
- Highlighted command
- Andaman and Nicobar Command – India's first integrated tri-service command
Practice MCQs 4 questions
The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise was held from 30 October to 3 November 2026 to strengthen security in which water body?
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Correct answer: A — Bay of Bengal
Which of the following countries is NOT a participant in the inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise?
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Correct answer: B — Maldives
What is the motto of the inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise?
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Correct answer: C — Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity
Consider the following statements: 1. The Andaman and Nicobar Command is India's first integrated tri-service command. 2. The 6th BIMSTEC Summit was held under the theme 'BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2