Current Affairs - Defence - Discussion

The Andaman Islands are hosting India's first BIMSTEC maritime security exercise from October 30 to November 3, 2026. The exercise is being conducted at the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India's first integrated tri-service command. All seven BIMSTEC member countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand—are participating in this regional maritime initiative. The exercise is conducted under the theme "Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity". Its main objectives include improving coordination among naval forces, strengthening maritime domain awareness and enhancing capabilities in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, search and rescue operations.