ASEAN-India maritime exercises begin in the Philippines

The second edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) has commenced in Subic Bay, Philippines. Under the theme ‘Anchored in Trust, United at Sea’, the drills bring together the Indian Navy and maritime forces from various ASEAN member states to enhance regional maritime cooperation.

The exercise includes a harbour phase featuring professional exchanges, subject matter expert discussions, and operational synchronization. This is followed by a sea phase where participating forces will conduct coordinated maneuvers, communication exercises, and search-and-rescue drills. Indian naval ships Sahyadri and Kulish are among the vessels participating in the drills.

AIME-2026 serves as a key component of India’s maritime engagement with Southeast Asia, supporting the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026 and India’s MAHASAGAR vision. The exercises aim to improve interoperability, practice standard operating procedures, and build capacity for maritime security operations, including addressing piracy, smuggling, and navigation hazards in the Indo-Pacific.