The ASEAN – India Maritime Exercise 2026 (AIME – 2026) has kicked off at Subic Bay, Philippines, with the convergence of Indian and Southeast Asian maritime forces for operational interoperability and cooperation. The second edition of the exercise started on September 28, 2026, under the theme “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea.” INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish, two ships of the Indian Navy, are actively joining in with maritime forces from the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
What Is the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise 2026?
AIME-2026 is a multi-lateral naval exercise, aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between India and ASEAN nations.
The exercise is conducted in two general phases sponsored by Indian Navy and Philippine Navy:
- Harbour Phase: Professional exchanges, operational coordination, cultural activities and community engagement.
- Sea Phase: Coordinated maritime drills and practical training at sea.
The exercise is based off the first AIME held in Singapore in 2023. The Philippines is now hosting the second edition in 2026, which was set as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation (2026) to commemorate the ASEAN-India partnership.In the year of 2026, the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation (2026) was marked with the second edition taking place in the Philippines.
India-ASEAN Maritime Exercise: Ships and Activities
Indian Navy Ships at Subic Bay
India has deployed the frontline stealth frigate INS Sahyadri and missile corvette INS Kulish for AIME-2026. The ships that are also reportedly among the ships participating are Philippine vessels BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Tarlac and Singapore’s RSS Justice.
The exercise includes expert-level discussions covering:
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
- Maritime Domain Awareness
- Logistics cooperation
- Women, Peace and Security
- Operational coordination and maritime security
The sea phase includes practical activities such as boarding operations, helicopter cross-deck landings and medical evacuation drills off the coast of Zambales.
Why AIME-2026 Matters for India and ASEAN
As both sides are building up their strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific region, the India-ASEAN maritime cooperation is expected to continue.
The exercise is part of India’s Act East Policy and the vision of MAHASAGAR that aims at promoting mutual and comprehensive development for security and growth between the regions. Indo Asia Maritime Exercise 2026 is a testament to India’s commitment to deepening hands-on cooperation with the ASEAN nations, the Defence Ministry said.
ASEAN has also reiterated its general support for maritime cooperation and regional stability and respect for international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982.
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AIME-2026 and the Philippines
The location is significant because Subic Bay is an important naval and maritime hub in the Philippines. The exercise comes after another India-Philippines maritime exercise in September when INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish attended the ADMM-Plus Maritime Security Joint Cooperation Activity at Subic Bay.
The back-to-back activities allow Indian and the national navies to gain insight into operational practices and acquaint themselves with partner forces.
For more official information, readers can follow the Indian Ministry of Defence/PIB release on AIME-2026 and ASEAN’s official maritime cooperation updates.
FAQs
What is AIME-2026?
AIME-2026 stands for the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise 2026. It is the second edition of the multilateral maritime exercise involving India and ASEAN maritime forces.
Where is AIME-2026 being held?
The exercise began at Subic Bay, Philippines, on September 28, 2026, with sea activities taking place off the coast of Zambales.
What is the theme of AIME-2026?
The official theme is “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea.” The exercise focuses on practical cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding among participating maritime forces.
