ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise AIME-2026 Begins in Philippines

The second edition of ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) has been inaugurated at Subic Bay, Philippines on 28 September, 2026. The Indian naval ships Sahyadri and Kulish along with the maritime forces of ASEAN countries are taking part in the exercise. Theme for the exercise is ‘Anchored in Trust, United at Sea’ and aims to improve mutual understanding and professional cooperation, coordination and interoperability between the forces participating in the exercise.

AIME-2026: Harbour Phase

The exercise has started with the harbour phase, which includes professional, operational and social activities that aim at improving the cooperation between the personnel of participating forces prior to commencing their coordinated operations at sea.

Activities in the harbour phase includes,

Subject matter experts exchanges
Operational synchronisation
Sports
Culture
Community engagement
Pre-sail brief

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to Philippines as the Guest of Honor.

Sea Phase of AIME-2026

After completion of the Harbour Phase, the exercise will enter into Sea Phase where participating maritime forces will conduct maritime exercises and maritime serials at sea.

The Sea Phase will aim to enhance professional understanding, operational coordination, and interoperability of participating nations by practical training and conducting maritime operations.

Indian Navy Ships Participating in AIME-2026

Two Indian naval ships have participated in the AIME-2026 exercise:

INS Sahyadri

INS Sahyadri is the Shivalik-class stealth guided-missile frigate of the Indian Navy. It can be used for different maritime operations and belongs to the surface combatants of India.

INS Kulish

INS Kulish is the Kora-class guided-missile corvette of the Indian Navy. This vessel is capable of conducting maritime operations and is an example of operational engagement of India with partner navies.

Their participation in the AIME-2026 exercise indicates India’s continuous involvement with the maritime forces of the Indo-Pacific region.

India’s AIME-2026 and Act East Policy

AIME-2026 is being carried out to implement the “Act East Policy” of India, which is centered on building up India’s economic, strategic and cultural relations with the nations of Southeast Asia and broader Indo-Pacific regions.

The exercise is also in line with India’s “MAHASAGAR” vision, Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. Such maritime exercises by the ASEAN nations provide avenues for operational coordination and interoperability among the participants.