First BIMSTEC maritime security exercise begins
BIMSTEC links seven countries around the Bay of Bengal. For the first time, they are holding a joint maritime security exercise, from 30 October to 3 November 2026. India is showing its Andaman and Nicobar Command, its only tri-service command. Read it to revise BIMSTEC and India’s maritime security.
- Dates
- 30 October to 3 November 2026
- Members
- 7 Bay of Bengal countries
- Secretariat
- Dhaka
- Indian host unit
- Andaman and Nicobar Command
UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
The BIMSTEC exercise: what happened?
The Bay of Bengal carries much of the region’s trade, but also faces piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing and cyclones. No single navy can watch it all.
- The Inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise runs from 30 October to 3 November 2026 with all seven members.
- It builds on the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, held under the theme “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”.
- The aims are better interoperability, shared maritime domain awareness, coordination mechanisms and best practices.
- Its motto is “Translating Vision to Action”, in the spirit of “Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity”.
- India is showcasing the Andaman and Nicobar Command, its only tri-service command.
What is BIMSTEC?
BIMSTEC stands for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.
It was set up by the Bangkok Declaration in 1997 with Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Myanmar joined later in 1997, and Nepal and Bhutan joined in 2004.
Its secretariat is in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Its Charter came into force in 2024, giving it a legal identity.
For India, BIMSTEC links the Neighbourhood First and Act East policies, and offers a regional platform when SAARC is stalled.
Who are the seven BIMSTEC members?
| South Asia | South-East Asia | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka | Thailand | 1997 (founders) |
| — | Myanmar | 1997 |
| Nepal, Bhutan | — | 2004 |
Which laws and Articles apply?
- Bangkok Declaration (1997): set up BIMSTEC.
- BIMSTEC Charter: came into force in 2024.
- Andaman and Nicobar Command (2001): India’s only tri-service command, at Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram).
- SAGAR / MAHASAGAR: India’s vision for security and growth in the Indian Ocean region.
Why does the BIMSTEC exercise matter?
| Angle | What to note |
|---|---|
| Security | Joint watch against piracy, smuggling and illegal fishing. |
| Diplomacy | Strengthens India’s ties with Bay of Bengal neighbours. |
| Disaster relief | Navies that train together respond faster to cyclones. |
| Strategy | Balances outside powers in the Bay of Bengal. |
What are the problems with the BIMSTEC exercise?
- BIMSTEC has moved slowly for most of its history.
- Myanmar’s political crisis and Bangladesh’s changes complicate cooperation.
- Two members, Nepal and Bhutan, are landlocked with no navies.
- Information sharing between navies is still limited.
What should be done next on the BIMSTEC exercise?
- Make the exercise a regular event.
- Link all members to India’s Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region.
- Cooperate on coastal shipping and disaster response.
- Fund the secretariat better.
What can Prelims ask on the BIMSTEC exercise?
Prelims probability: Expect a question on BIMSTEC: seven members, set up by the Bangkok Declaration (1997), secretariat in Dhaka; Nepal and Bhutan joined in 2004.
- BIMSTEC: 7 members; Bangkok Declaration 1997; secretariat Dhaka.
- Nepal and Bhutan joined in 2004.
- First BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise: 30 October to 3 November 2026.
- Andaman and Nicobar Command: India’s only tri-service command (2001).
- BIMSTEC Charter in force: 2024.
How to write about the BIMSTEC exercise in Mains
Practice question (15 marks, 250 words): BIMSTEC is becoming India’s main platform for regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss in the light of its first maritime security exercise.
- Intro: first BIMSTEC maritime exercise.
- BIMSTEC basics; link to Act East and Neighbourhood First.
- Maritime threats in the Bay of Bengal.
- Challenges: slow progress, political instability.
- Conclusion: regular exercises and stronger institutions.
Ready lines for your answer
- Shared seas need shared security.
- BIMSTEC is where Act East meets Neighbourhood First.
Quotable data pointAll seven BIMSTEC members are taking part in the first exercise.
Photo: MC2 James R. Evans, U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Exam angle
Prelims: BIMSTEC members, secretariat, founding. · Mains GS-II/III: regional groupings and maritime security.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
The permanent secretariat of BIMSTEC is located in:
Answer (d) & explanation
BIMSTEC's secretariat is in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The group was set up by the Bangkok Declaration of 1997.
Consider the following statements:
1. The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise runs from 30 October to 3 November 2026.
2. The Andaman and Nicobar Command is India's first integrated tri-service command.
3. The Ten Degree Channel separates the Andaman islands from the Nicobar islands.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer (c) & explanation
All three are correct. All seven BIMSTEC members are taking part in the exercise.
Questions students ask about this
How many members does BIMSTEC have?
Seven: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Where is the BIMSTEC secretariat?
In Dhaka, Bangladesh.
When is the first BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise?
From 30 October to 3 November 2026.
What is India's only tri-service command?
The Andaman and Nicobar Command.