New Delhi, Sep 30. The second edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) has begun at Subic Bay in the Philippines, bringing together the Indian Navy and maritime forces from ASEAN member states for joint professional and operational engagements.
The exercise, which began on September 28, features Indian Navy warships INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish and is being conducted under the theme ‘Anchored in Trust, United at Sea’.
AIME-2026 seeks to strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperability among the participating maritime forces through a combination of professional, operational and social activities.
The exercise was formally inaugurated with an opening ceremony attended by Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Harsh Kumar Jain as the guest of honour. Addressing the participating contingents, Jain emphasised the importance of maritime cooperation between India and ASEAN countries.
The harbour phase includes a range of engagements, including subject matter expert exchanges, sporting and cultural activities, community outreach programmes and operational synchronisation exercises. A pre-sail briefing will precede the transition to the sea phase.
During the sea phase, participating maritime forces will conduct coordinated maritime exercises and operational serials designed to improve professional understanding, operational coordination and interoperability through practical training at sea.
The participation of INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish reflects the Indian Navy’s continuing efforts to expand practical maritime cooperation and strengthen partnerships with ASEAN countries.
The exercise is also part of India’s broader Act East Policy and its MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, which emphasises greater cooperation and security partnerships across the wider Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions.
AIME-2026 provides an operational platform for India and ASEAN maritime forces to enhance coordination and familiarity while reinforcing their shared interest in maintaining a secure, stable and cooperative maritime environment.
