The Philippine Navy (PN) together with the Indian Navy (IN) on Sept. 28 formally opened the 2nd ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) 2026 which will run until Oct. 2 in Subic Bay, Zambales.
In a statement Wednesday, the PN said the week-long activity will focus on practical maritime cooperation and engagement.
‘Following the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity held last week, ASEAN Member States and India are once again joining efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation, mutual trust, and interoperability among participating navies,’ it added.
With the theme, ‘Anchored in Trust, United at Sea,’ AIME 2026 provides an opportunity for ASEAN Member States and India to translate their shared commitment to maritime cooperation into practical collaboration and greater mutual understanding at sea.
‘The exercise will feature a harbor phase and a sea phase from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2, with coordinated maritime security operations, joint training, and subject matter expert exchanges, providing participating personnel with opportunities to enhance coordination and share knowledge and best practices,’ the PN said.
The 2nd AIME reaffirms the decision of the 19th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) to deepen engagement with external partners in the maritime domain.
It also serves as a capstone activity in line with the declaration of 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.
‘Through AIME 2026, the PN continues to support the country’s defense diplomacy efforts and strengthen maritime partnerships with ASEAN Member States and India, contributing to regional security, stability, and a peaceful maritime environment,’ the PN said.