India and Myanmar Navies Strengthen Maritime Ties as IMNEX-26 Begins in Visakhapatnam
The eighth edition of the bilateral naval exercise brings together warships from both countries, highlighting their continued commitment to professional cooperation, maritime engagement and regional stability.
India and Myanmar have taken another step towards strengthening their naval partnership with the commencement of the eighth edition of the India–Myanmar Naval Exercise (IMNEX-26) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The bilateral exercise, being conducted from 10 to 14 November 2026, reflects the continued efforts of both countries to enhance maritime cooperation and build stronger professional ties between their naval forces.
The Myanmar Navy Ship UMS King Sin Phyu Shin arrived at Visakhapatnam on 10 November to participate in the exercise alongside Indian Naval Ships INS Rana and INS Sumedha. The arrival of the Myanmar naval vessel marked an important moment in the bilateral engagement, bringing personnel from the two navies together for a series of planned professional and maritime interactions.
The opening ceremony was held onboard INS Rana on 10 November 2026, formally marking the commencement of the five-day naval exercise. The event highlighted the shared commitment of India and Myanmar to maintaining regular naval engagements and strengthening mutual understanding through professional interaction.
IMNEX has developed into an important platform for the Indian Navy and Myanmar Navy to engage in bilateral maritime cooperation. Such exercises provide opportunities for naval personnel to exchange professional knowledge, understand operational procedures and develop greater familiarity with each other’s capabilities.
The participation of INS Rana, INS Sumedha and UMS King Sin Phyu Shin also underscores the importance both countries attach to sustained naval engagement. Through these interactions, the two navies seek to strengthen professional relationships and promote closer coordination in the maritime domain.
India and Myanmar share longstanding geographical, historical and cultural connections, with maritime cooperation forming an important dimension of their bilateral relationship. As neighbouring countries with interests in the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indian Ocean Region, maintaining constructive naval engagement remains relevant to regional peace, stability and security.
The eighth edition of IMNEX demonstrates the value of continued defence diplomacy and naval-to-naval cooperation. By providing a platform for interaction, experience-sharing and professional engagement, the exercise contributes to strengthening mutual trust and understanding between the two maritime forces.
As IMNEX-26 continues in Visakhapatnam until 14 November, the exercise represents another chapter in India’s ongoing efforts to deepen maritime partnerships with neighbouring countries and promote a cooperative, secure and stable regional maritime environment.
