India hosted a key maritime exercise under the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium at the Maritime Warfare Centre in Kochi in 2026, bringing together multiple countries to address non-traditional maritime threats and strengthen coordination in the Indian Ocean Region.

Bullets

• India conducted a major maritime exercise under the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium at Kochi.
• The exercise focused on enhancing cooperation among navies in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Countries including Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Kenya, Maldives, and Sri Lanka participated.
• The wide participation reflects shared commitment to maritime stability and regional security.
• The exercise addressed non-traditional threats like piracy, trafficking, and disaster response.
• It was conducted in a simulated environment to improve real-time coordination and preparedness.
• Participating nations worked on improving information sharing and joint operational strategies.
• The initiative aims to strengthen maritime domain awareness across the region.
• The exercise gains importance as India assumes IONS chairmanship for 2026–2028.
• It reinforces India’s role in promoting a free, open, and secure maritime environment.