INS Sahyadri, INS Kulish Join ASEAN Partners for AIME-2026 in Subic Bay.
AIME 2026: ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise.
The second edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) has begun at Subic Bay in the Philippines, bringing Indian naval ships together with maritime forces from ASEAN member states for a series of professional and operational engagements.
The exercise commenced on September 28 under the theme “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea”. India’s participation includes Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish, with the exercise designed to promote greater mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperability among the participating maritime forces.
The latest exercise is part of India’s continuing maritime engagement with Southeast Asian countries and is being conducted in line with the country’s Act East Policy and its MAHASAGAR vision.
Harbour phase focuses on cooperation and coordination
AIME-2026 has begun with a Harbour Phase at Subic Bay, which includes a combination of professional, operational and social activities.
The opening ceremony was attended by India’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Harsh Kumar Jain, who served as the Guest of Honour and addressed the participating maritime forces.
During the Harbour Phase, personnel from the participating countries are scheduled to take part in Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, allowing them to share professional knowledge and experiences.
The programme also includes sporting and cultural activities and community engagement initiatives. These activities are intended to strengthen interaction among personnel beyond formal operational engagements.
Another key component will be Operational Synchronisation, through which participating forces will work towards developing a common understanding of procedures and coordination before moving to activities at sea.
A Pre-Sail Brief will be conducted before the participating vessels and maritime forces move into the next stage of the exercise.
Sea phase to test operational interoperability
Following the Harbour Phase, AIME-2026 will transition into its Sea Phase.
During this stage, participating maritime forces will conduct coordinated exercises and operational serials at sea. The practical training is intended to improve professional understanding and operational coordination among the forces involved.
Interoperability is a central objective of the exercise. In simple terms, interoperability refers to the ability of different military forces to work together effectively, including through coordinated procedures, communications and operations.
For India and ASEAN countries, such practical interaction can help personnel become familiar with one another’s operating methods and improve coordination during maritime activities.
The sea-based portion of the exercise therefore provides an opportunity to translate the cooperation developed during the Harbour Phase into practical maritime operations.
AIME 2026: ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise.
INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish represent India
The participation of INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish is a key part of India’s contribution to the exercise.
Their deployment reflects the Indian Navy’s continuing engagement with maritime forces in Southeast Asia and India’s broader effort to strengthen practical maritime partnerships in the region.
AIME-2026 provides Indian naval personnel with an opportunity to operate alongside forces from ASEAN countries in a structured multinational exercise.
The exercise also creates a platform for participating countries to develop professional relationships and exchange operational experience.
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Supporting India’s Act East Policy
AIME-2026 is being conducted in furtherance of India’s Act East Policy, which places emphasis on stronger engagement with Southeast Asian countries and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
The exercise is also linked to India’s MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Maritime cooperation is an important element of India’s engagement with ASEAN. The region is closely connected through major sea routes, making regular interaction between maritime forces relevant to broader regional cooperation.
The second edition of AIME therefore builds on the first exercise while providing another opportunity for India and ASEAN maritime forces to work together.
With the Harbour Phase now under way at Subic Bay and the Sea Phase to follow, AIME-2026 combines professional exchanges, cultural interaction and practical maritime training. Its stated focus is on strengthening mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperability among India and ASEAN maritime forces.
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