The India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR) Exercise 2026 – the ninth edition of its kind – which brought together Indian, Brazilian and South African navies for a series of professional interactions and maritime evolutions aimed at improving interoperability and enhancing mutual understanding among the three maritime forces, concluded on 20 October, 2026, in Simon’s Town, South Africa.
The IBSAMAR Exercise 2026 entailed ten days of joint activities conducted during the harbour and sea phases, wherein participating personnel engaged in professional exchanges, operational interactions and joint training, providing Navies from each of the three countries with valuable insights into procedures, capabilities and methods of operating at sea.
The exercise also reaffirmed the importance of jointmanship at sea, with interoperability developed through repeated interactions, common training and a shared understanding of maritime operations. Professional bonds forged among the crews of participating assets endure beyond the exercise, strengthening institutional linkages and laying the foundation for future cooperation.
Commanding Officer of the Indian Naval Ship Tarkash, Captain Rohit Mishra, highlighted at the closing address that exercises such as IBSAMAR provide a unique platform for translating longstanding diplomatic relationships into meaningful naval cooperation.
He further underscored that the true strength of such exercises lies not only in conducting joint evolutions at sea but also in the relationships forged among personnel through shared experiences, professional exchanges and mutual learning.
IBSAMAR exemplifies the enduring maritime relationship between India, Brazil and South Africa. Located across three continents and connected by the maritime domain, the three nations share a common interest in safe, secure and stable seas.
Additionally, the trilateral exercise provides an avenue for each country’s Navies to address common maritime challenges, exchange best practices and strengthen their ability to operate together, thereby contributing to a peaceful maritime environment.
The successful conclusion of IBSAMAR IX 2026 underscores the shared commitment of India, Brazil and South Africa to strengthening maritime cooperation and enhancing interoperability in support of safe, secure and open seas underpinned by a rules-based order.
