Philippines: The second edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) commenced at Subic Bay in the Philippines on September 28, 2026, bringing together the Indian Navy and maritime forces from ASEAN member states.
The exercise is being conducted under the theme “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea” and aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, operational coordination and interoperability between India and ASEAN maritime forces.
Indian Naval Ships INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish are participating in the exercise, which includes professional, operational and social engagements during its harbour and sea phases.
AIME-2026 Opening Ceremony at Subic Bay
The exercise began with an opening ceremony attended by participating maritime forces.
His Excellency Shri Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, attended the ceremony as the Guest of Honour and addressed the participating maritime forces.
The opening event marked the beginning of a series of engagements designed to promote greater understanding and cooperation between Indian and ASEAN maritime forces.
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Harbour Phase to Focus on Professional and Social Engagements
The harbour phase of AIME-2026 will include a range of professional, operational and social activities before the participating forces move to the sea phase.
Key activities include:
- Subject Matter Expert Exchanges
- Sporting activities
- Cultural activities
- Community engagement
- Operational synchronisation
- Pre-Sail Brief before the sea phase
These engagements are aimed at strengthening professional interaction and improving mutual understanding among the participating maritime forces.
Sea Phase to Enhance Maritime Interoperability
Following the harbour phase, the exercise will transition to the Sea Phase, where participating maritime forces will conduct coordinated maritime exercises and operational serials.
The sea phase will focus on:
- Enhancing professional understanding
- Improving operational coordination
- Strengthening interoperability
- Conducting practical maritime training
- Coordinating activities at sea
The practical exercises are intended to improve the ability of participating forces to operate together in maritime environments.
INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish Represent Indian Navy
The participation of INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish underscores the Indian Navy’s continued engagement with maritime forces from ASEAN countries.
The deployment provides an opportunity for India to strengthen maritime partnerships and expand practical cooperation with Southeast Asian maritime forces through professional exchanges and coordinated activities.
AIME-2026 adds to India’s broader pattern of maritime engagement with ASEAN through naval exercises, ship visits, operational exchanges and capacity-building activities.
AIME-2026 and India’s Act East Policy
The exercise is being conducted in furtherance of India’s Act East Policy, which seeks to deepen engagement with countries in Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.
AIME-2026 also supports the vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Through such maritime engagements, India continues to focus on strengthening cooperation, connectivity and security partnerships with countries across the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions.
India-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
The ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise provides a platform for participating forces to undertake practical training and professional interaction.
The exercise reflects the importance of ASEAN in India’s maritime outreach and contributes to efforts to build greater operational understanding and interoperability among regional maritime forces.
With activities spanning professional exchanges, harbour engagements and coordinated sea exercises, AIME-2026 provides a structured platform for India and ASEAN maritime forces to strengthen practical cooperation at sea.
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