33rd EDITION OF SINGAPORE-INDIA MARITIME BILATERAL EXERCISE (SIMBEX-2026) COMMENCES AT VISAKHAPATNAM

October 21, 2026

Ministry of Defence

प्रविष्टि तिथि: 21 OCT 2026 9:10PM by PIB Delhi

The 33rd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) is being held at Visakhapatnam from 21 to 26 Oct 2026. Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) ship RSS Supreme arrived at Visakhapatnam on 21 Oct 2026 to participate in the exercise.

The opening ceremony of SIMBEX-2026 was held on 21 Oct 2026 onboard INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta. The ceremony was attended by the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) of the Eastern Naval Command, the Fleet Commander of the RSN, and other senior officers from both Navies.

Since its inception in 1994 as Exercise Lion King, SIMBEX has evolved into a significant bilateral maritime engagement between the Indian Navy and the RSN. Over the years, the exercise has expanded in scope and complexity, strengthening professional ties, mutual understanding and operational interoperability between the two Navies.

The exercise will be conducted in two phases. The Harbour Phase, from 21 to 23 Oct 2026, will include professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, sporting engagements, and planning conferences. The Sea Phase, scheduled from 24 to 26 Oct 2026 in the Bay of Bengal, will feature maritime operations and tactical exercises, including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), anti-surface and anti-air warfare drills, seamanship evolutions, and tactical manoeuvres.

SIMBEX-2026 reaffirms the longstanding maritime partnership between India and Singapore and their shared commitment to enhancing interoperability, addressing common maritime security challenges, and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.