Visakhapatnam is hosting the 33rd edition of the Singapore–India Maritime Bilateral Exercise, SIMBEX-2026, bringing together the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy for six days of professional engagement and maritime training.

The exercise commenced on October 21 and will continue until October 26. The Republic of Singapore Navy ship RSS Supreme arrived in Visakhapatnam to participate in the bilateral engagement. The opening ceremony was held aboard Indian Navy ships INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta, attended by senior officers from both navies. <Cite refs={["turn541639search0","turn541639search1"]}/>

The exercise is divided into two phases. The harbour phase, scheduled from October 21 to 23, includes professional interactions, subject-matter expert exchanges, cross-deck visits, sporting activities and planning conferences.

The sea phase will take place in the Bay of Bengal from October 24 to 26. Planned activities include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and anti-air warfare drills, along with seamanship exercises and tactical manoeuvres. These activities are designed to improve coordination and the ability of both navies to operate together during maritime missions. <Cite refs={["turn541639search1","turn541639search14"]}/>

SIMBEX began in 1994 as Exercise Lion King and has developed into a longstanding maritime engagement between India and Singapore. Over the years, the exercise has expanded in scope and complexity, helping build professional relationships and improve operational interoperability between the two naval forces. <Cite refs={["turn541639search1"]}/>

The 2026 edition reinforces the maritime partnership between the two countries and their shared focus on addressing common maritime security challenges and supporting peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.

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