IBSAMAR IX concludes in South Africa, boosts India-Brazil-South Africa naval cooperation
By Aroonim Bhuyan
New Delhi. The ninth edition of the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR) Exercise 2026 concluded at Simon’s Town, South Africa, on October 20 after 10 days of joint naval training and operational engagements aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening maritime cooperation among the three countries.
According to a statement issued by the Ministy of Defence, the exercise brought together the Indian, Brazilian and South African navies for professional exchanges, joint training and maritime manoeuvres designed to improve operational coordination and foster a deeper understanding of each other’s capabilities and procedures.
The closing ceremony marked the culmination of activities conducted during the harbour and sea phases. Personnel from the participating navies exchanged operational experience and gained insights into their counterparts’ methods of conducting maritime operations. The interactions helped build mutual trust and confidence, enhancing the ability of the three forces to work together at sea.
Addressing the gathering at the closing ceremony, the commanding officer of INS Tarkash highlighted the importance of IBSAMAR in translating longstanding diplomatic ties among the three countries into practical naval cooperation.
He emphasised that the exercise’s value extended beyond joint maritime operations, with shared experiences, professional exchanges and mutual learning helping forge lasting relationships among naval personnel.
IBSAMAR reflects the enduring maritime partnership between India, Brazil and South Africa, which, despite being located across three continents, share common interests in maintaining safe, secure and stable seas.
The trilateral exercise provides a platform for the three navies to address common maritime challenges, exchange best practices and strengthen their ability to conduct coordinated operations. Such engagements contribute to building confidence, improving operational compatibility and promoting a peaceful maritime environment.
The exercise also highlighted the importance of sustained interaction and joint training in developing interoperability. A shared understanding of maritime procedures, combined with repeated operational engagements, enables participating forces to coordinate more effectively and strengthens their preparedness for future cooperation.
The professional bonds established among the participating crews are expected to extend beyond the exercise, reinforcing institutional ties and providing a foundation for deeper naval engagement among the three countries.
The successful conclusion of IBSAMAR IX reaffirmed the shared commitment of India, Brazil and South Africa to strengthening maritime cooperation and enhancing interoperability in support of safe, secure and open seas. It also underscored their common interest in upholding a rules-based maritime order and promoting peace and stability across the global maritime domain.
