INS Rana and INS Sumedha Join Myanmar Navy for IMNEX-26 at Visakhapatnam

The Indian Navy and the Myanmar Navy have commenced the eighth edition of their bilateral naval exercise, IMNEX-26, at Visakhapatnam, strengthening maritime cooperation and operational coordination between the two neighbouring countries. The five-day exercise, being conducted from 10 to 14 November 2026, brings together Indian Naval Ships Rana and Sumedha and Myanmar Navy vessel UMS King Sin Phyu Shin for professional exchanges and coordinated maritime training.

The exercise officially commenced on 10 November with an opening ceremony held aboard INS Rana, following the arrival of UMS King Sin Phyu Shin at Visakhapatnam the same day. IMNEX-26 provides a platform for both navies to exchange operational expertise, improve mutual understanding and develop greater interoperability in maritime operations.

INS Rana and INS Sumedha Lead Indian Participation

The Indian Navy is participating in IMNEX-26 with INS Rana and INS Sumedha, representing two different categories of naval vessels with complementary operational capabilities. Their participation provides opportunities for coordinated training with the Myanmar Navy and strengthens professional familiarity between personnel operating different naval platforms.

INS Rana is a Rajput-class guided-missile destroyer designed for a range of naval combat operations, including surface warfare and fleet protection. The vessel’s participation provides a platform for professional exchanges and coordinated naval manoeuvres during the bilateral exercise.

INS Sumedha is a Saryu-class offshore patrol vessel employed in maritime surveillance, patrol and security operations. The ship’s capabilities are relevant to maritime domain awareness, protection of offshore interests and other missions associated with maintaining security across India’s maritime areas of responsibility.

The Myanmar Navy is represented by UMS King Sin Phyu Shin, which arrived at Visakhapatnam on 10 November to participate in the exercise. The engagement enables personnel from both navies to familiarise themselves with each other’s operational practices and develop coordination through structured training activities.

Harbour Phase Focuses on Professional Exchanges

The harbour phase of IMNEX-26 includes a series of professional interactions designed to strengthen cooperation between Indian and Myanmar naval personnel. These engagements cover Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, cross-deck visits, sporting activities and discussions on operational matters of mutual interest.

Subject Matter Expert Exchanges provide opportunities for naval specialists to discuss professional practices, share operational experiences and develop a better understanding of procedures followed by their counterparts. Such interactions are particularly useful in strengthening familiarity with different approaches to maritime operations and naval coordination.

Cross-deck visits allow participating personnel to visit vessels of the other navy and gain practical exposure to their operational environment. These activities contribute to mutual understanding of shipboard procedures, organisational practices and the working arrangements employed during naval deployments.

The harbour phase also incorporates sporting engagements and professional discussions, creating additional opportunities for interaction between personnel. These activities help strengthen professional relationships and establish a foundation for coordinated operations during the subsequent sea phase.

Sea Phase to Feature Tactical Manoeuvres and Coordinated Operations

Following the harbour phase, IMNEX-26 will progress to its sea phase, during which participating ships will undertake coordinated maritime operations and tactical manoeuvres. These activities are intended to improve interoperability and enable personnel from both navies to practise operational procedures in a maritime environment.

Tactical manoeuvres require participating vessels to maintain effective communication, coordinate movements and respond to operational instructions while operating together at sea. Such exercises help naval crews develop familiarity with joint procedures and strengthen their ability to function as coordinated maritime units.

The planned sea phase will also provide opportunities to refine communication arrangements and improve the practical coordination necessary for bilateral maritime activities. The emphasis on operational interoperability reflects the importance of regular training in developing effective cooperation between neighbouring naval forces.

As of the Ministry of Defence’s announcement on 11 November, the sea-phase activities form part of the exercise programme scheduled to continue until 14 November 2026.

Strengthening Maritime Cooperation Between India and Myanmar

India and Myanmar share geographical and maritime connections through the Bay of Bengal and the wider northeastern Indian Ocean. Their maritime relationship is particularly relevant to regional security, maritime surveillance and cooperation in waters connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia.

Myanmar’s coastline extends along the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, while India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands occupy a strategically important position near major maritime routes connecting the Indian Ocean with Southeast Asia.

This geographical relationship gives bilateral naval cooperation considerable importance, particularly in developing professional coordination and maintaining regular communication between maritime forces operating in neighbouring waters.

Exercise IMNEX serves as an established mechanism for strengthening these connections. Through recurring professional exchanges and operational training, the exercise contributes to greater familiarity between the two navies and supports continued engagement in maritime matters of common interest.

The eighth edition builds upon this bilateral framework by bringing together naval personnel and vessels for structured interactions ashore and practical maritime training at sea.

Supporting India’s MAHASAGAR Vision

IMNEX-26 is aligned with India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The framework emphasises cooperation with regional partners to strengthen security, connectivity and shared development across maritime regions.

India’s engagement with Myanmar forms part of its wider maritime cooperation with neighbouring countries in the Bay of Bengal and the eastern Indian Ocean. Naval exercises provide practical opportunities to strengthen these relationships by improving operational coordination and maintaining direct professional contact between participating forces.

The exercise also reinforces the importance of bilateral maritime engagement in promoting a stable regional environment. Regular naval interactions contribute to mutual understanding and help develop the professional relationships necessary for effective cooperation in maritime activities.

With INS Rana, INS Sumedha and UMS King Sin Phyu Shin participating in the five-day programme, IMNEX-26 represents another step in the continuing development of India–Myanmar naval cooperation.

The exercise, scheduled to conclude on 14 November 2026, underscores the commitment of both navies to strengthening maritime partnerships, enhancing operational interoperability and supporting security and stability in the Bay of Bengal region.

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