New Delhi: Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish have concluded their participation in the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) 2026, conducted in the Philippines under the theme ‘Anchored in Trust, United at Sea’.
The exercise provided opportunities for professional interaction, operational coordination and maritime training through harbour and sea phases.
The harbour phase featured a range of engagements, including key leaders’ meetings, sporting events, yoga sessions, community interaction and exchanges among subject matter experts. A table-top exercise, operational synchronisation and a pre-sail briefing were also conducted to facilitate coordination and prepare participating forces for the sea phase.
During the sea phase, INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish took part in coordinated maritime exercises, including Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS), and underway replenishment drills.
The participating forces also conducted helicopter operations, including cross-deck landings, vertical replenishment and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) drills. The activities enhanced coordination and interoperability among the participating maritime forces.
The harbour and sea phases of AIME 2026 reinforced mutual trust and enhanced interoperability, contributing to stronger maritime partnerships.
The participation of INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s continued commitment to engagement with partner maritime forces, in line with India’s Act East Policy and the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
