IMNEX-26: India–Myanmar Naval Exercise Begins in Visakhapatnam

Why in News?

• The eighth edition of the India–Myanmar Naval Exercise (IMNEX-26) commenced on 10 November 2026 at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• The five-day exercise aims to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation, operational coordination and interoperability between the Indian Navy and Myanmar Navy. It will continue until 14 November 2026. 

Key Highlights of IMNEX-26

About India–Myanmar Naval Exercise (IMNEX)

IMNEX is a bilateral maritime exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and Myanmar Navy to strengthen professional cooperation and operational preparedness.

Its major objectives include:

• Enhancing interoperability between the two navies.
• Strengthening bilateral defence and maritime relations.
• Promoting the exchange of naval expertise.
• Improving coordination during joint maritime operations.
• Contributing to regional maritime security and stability.

Major Phases of IMNEX-26

The exercise is divided into two major phases:

The harbour phase focuses on mutual understanding and professional learning, while the sea phase emphasises practical operational coordination. 

Naval Ships Participating in IMNEX-26

INS Rana

• Rajput-class guided-missile destroyer.
• Part of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet.
• Hosted the opening ceremony of IMNEX-26.

INS Sumedha

• Saryu-class offshore patrol vessel.
• Designed for maritime surveillance, patrolling and security operations.
• Indigenously built by Goa Shipyard Limited.

UMS King Sin Phyu Shin

• Guided-missile frigate of the Myanmar Navy.
• Arrived in Visakhapatnam on 10 November 2026.
• Represents Myanmar in IMNEX-26.

Strategic Significance of Myanmar for India

• Geographical proximity: India shares a 1,643-km land boundary and a maritime boundary with Myanmar.
• Gateway to Southeast Asia: Myanmar is the only ASEAN member sharing a land boundary with India.
• Act East Policy: Myanmar connects India with Southeast Asian economies and regional institutions.
• Maritime security: Myanmar's geographical location is important for security in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.
• Strategic connectivity: The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project connects India's eastern coast with Myanmar's Sittwe Port and Northeast India.
• Chinese influence: Myanmar's strategic location and China's growing presence in the region make it important for India's geopolitical interests. 

IMNEX-26 and India's MAHASAGAR Vision

MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. It represents India's broader vision of promoting security, development and cooperation across maritime regions.

IMNEX-26 supports this vision through:

• Strengthening maritime partnerships.
• Promoting collective maritime security.
• Enhancing naval capabilities through mutual learning.
• Encouraging a stable and secure regional maritime environment.

Significance of IMNEX-26 for India

• Defence diplomacy: Strengthens institutional relations between the armed forces of India and Myanmar.
• Maritime domain awareness: Provides opportunities to improve coordination and maritime information sharing.
• Non-traditional security: Builds cooperation relevant to piracy, maritime trafficking and other transnational threats.
• Regional stability: Contributes to India's efforts to maintain peace and security in the Bay of Bengal.
• Neighbourhood First Policy: Reinforces India's engagement with its immediate maritime neighbours.
• Indo-Pacific security: Supports India's vision of a free, open, inclusive and secure Indo-Pacific region.

Challenges in India–Myanmar Maritime Cooperation

• Political instability and internal armed conflict in Myanmar.
• Growing Chinese strategic and economic influence.
• Cross-border insurgency and illegal trafficking.
• Maritime smuggling and other transnational security threats.
• Balancing strategic interests with democratic and humanitarian concerns.

Way Forward

• Conduct regular bilateral naval exercises and professional exchanges.
• Strengthen maritime surveillance and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
• Enhance cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).
• Accelerate strategic connectivity projects, including the Kaladan project.
• Promote regional maritime cooperation through BIMSTEC and other multilateral platforms.
• Maintain constructive engagement with Myanmar while supporting regional peace and stability.

Conclusion

IMNEX-26 represents an important step towards strengthening India–Myanmar maritime relations. By enhancing naval interoperability and professional cooperation, the exercise supports India's MAHASAGAR vision, Act East Policy and broader strategic objectives in the Bay of Bengal and Indo-Pacific region.

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