India and Singapore Launch 33rd Naval Exercise
The Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise is underway in Visakhapatnam to boost naval cooperation.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Military
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The Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy have launched the 33rd Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX). The training activities are currently taking place in Visakhapatnam and the Bay of Bengal.
Why it matters
This exercise is designed to improve interoperability and facilitate a coordinated response to shared maritime security challenges between the two nations.
This is the 33rd iteration of the SIMBEX exercise, which originated in 1994 as Exercise Lion King. The program spans from October 21 to October 26, 2026.
The players
Indian Navy
The maritime branch of the Indian Armed Forces tasked with protecting the nation's maritime borders and interests.
Republic of Singapore Navy
The naval component of the Singapore Armed Forces responsible for defending the country's sea lines of communication.
RSS Supreme
A Republic of Singapore Navy vessel deployed to Visakhapatnam for the maritime bilateral exercises.
INS Nilgiri
An Indian Navy warship that hosted the opening ceremony for the current bilateral exercise.
INS Kamorta
An Indian Navy anti-submarine warfare corvette that hosted the opening ceremony for the bilateral exercise.
The details
The exercise features a series of anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-air warfare drills alongside tactical maneuvers. Participants are currently engaging in planning conferences, cross-deck visits, and subject matter expert exchanges before the sea phase begins.
Timeline
The naval engagement began on October 21, 2026.
The sea phase of the exercise is scheduled for October 24 to October 26, 2026.
The exercise concludes on October 26, 2026.
Political Context
The current bilateral exercise follows the recent conclusion of the trilateral IBSAMAR exercise involving India, Brazil and South Africa. This reflects a broader trend of India increasing its multi-national naval engagement to strengthen defense partnerships across the Indian Ocean region.
This exercise involves specific naval maneuvers in the Bay of Bengal and presence in Visakhapatnam that do not impact local civilian transit. The bilateral activities are focused strictly on professional training between the two military organizations.
The takeaway
The SIMBEX exercise highlights the growing importance of maritime interoperability in maintaining security in the Indian Ocean. Regular training cycles like these serve as a cornerstone for maintaining readiness between partner naval forces.
Further reading
For more on international naval cooperation, see our Military section.
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Does increased joint naval training between nations help maintain peace and stability in the region?
