ASEAN-INDIA MARITIME EXERCISE (AIME-2026)
Why in News?
The second edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) has officially commenced at Subic Bay, Philippines, marking a significant milestone in regional naval diplomacy. The naval drill formally started on 28 September 2026 and will run until 2 October 2026.
Key Information
- Edition: This is the 2nd edition of AIME. The inaugural exercise was co-hosted by Singapore in 2023.
- Theme: It is being conducted under the theme “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea”.
- Host Countries: The 2026 edition is co-hosted by the Indian Navy and the Philippine Navy.
- India: Represented by advanced frontline warships INS Sahyadri (stealth frigate) and INS Kulish (missile corvette).
- ASEAN Nations: Includes naval forces and assets from ASEAN members, including specific ships like BRP Jose Rizal, BRP Tarlac (Philippines), and RSS Justice (Singapore).
- Venue: Subic Bay and off the coast of the Zambales province, Philippines.
- Geopolitics: Located strategically near the South China Sea, the drills reinforce the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight in the Indo-Pacific region.
The week-long drill is divided into two distinct execution phases:
- The Harbour Phase: Focuses on professional synergy through Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck operational synchronization, community outreach, and cultural/sporting events.
- The Sea Phase: Transitions to active practical training at sea, including boarding operations, helicopter cross-deck landings, and complex medical evacuation exercises.
- Interoperability: Designed to build trust, bridge variations in naval doctrines, and enhance maritime coordination.
- Non-Traditional Threats: Drills include specific frameworks to counter anti-piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime terrorism.
- HADR & MDA: High-level emphasis on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) alongside strengthening shared Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
- Act East Policy: The naval engagement is a direct extension of India’s Act East Policy, expanding deep-security footprints in Southeast Asia.
- MAHASAGAR & IPOI: It aligns directly with India's vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
- ASEAN Centrality: Reaffirms New Delhi's recognition of ASEAN as the central pillar for peace and stability in the wider Indo-Pacific maritime ecosystem.
