Naval Cooperation for Safer Waters
India-Bangladesh Naval Exercises 2025: Strengthening Maritime Security in the Bay of Bengal: The 6th edition of CORPAT and the 4th edition of BONGOSAGAR began on March 10, 2025, and will continue until March 12 in the Bay of Bengal. These bilateral naval drills between India and Bangladesh focus on enhancing maritime domain awareness, surveillance, and law enforcement. The exercises aim to counter regional challenges like piracy and illegal fishing along the International Maritime Boundary Line, reinforcing the operational trust between the two nations.
Evolving Bilateral Naval Ties
Since their launch in 2018, CORPAT and BONGOSAGAR have become a cornerstone of India-Bangladesh naval collaboration. These exercises have enabled both countries to improve communication protocols and carry out coordinated maritime missions. The inclusion of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) drills in 2023 reflected a deeper strategic understanding and mutual readiness to handle real-world maritime emergencies.
Naval Assets in Operation
For the 2025 exercise, India has deployed INS RANVIR and a naval helicopter, while Bangladesh is participating with BNS ABU UBAIDAH and a maritime patrol aircraft. These warships and aircraft are executing live-fire drills and tactical maneuvers under the supervision of the Commander Flotilla West, showcasing the modern capability and coordination between the two forces.
Objectives Behind CORPAT-25 and BONGOSAGAR-25
The joint drills are designed to reinforce maritime security and improve interoperability between the Indian and Bangladeshi navies. Operations like joint patrolling, tactical formation sailing, and surface gunnery exercises help both sides sharpen their ability to detect, respond, and act against threats such as smuggling and sea-based criminal activity near shared waters.
Geopolitical Relevance in the Indo-Pacific
As strategic interest in the Indo-Pacific grows, these naval engagements highlight regional cooperation and the importance of shared security. The exercises align with India’s SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region) by safeguarding trade routes, fisheries, and maritime ecosystems. India and Bangladesh thus reinforce not only bilateral ties but also regional stability in an increasingly contested maritime zone.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT FOR EXAMS
India-Bangladesh Naval Exercises 2025: Strengthening Maritime Security in the Bay of Bengal:
| Topic | Fact |
| CORPAT Full Form | Coordinated Patrol |
| Year Initiated | 2018 |
| 2025 Drill Dates | March 10–12, 2025 |
| Indian Naval Asset | INS RANVIR with Helicopter |
| Bangladesh Naval Asset | BNS ABU UBAIDAH with Maritime Patrol Aircraft |
| Key Operations | Joint Patrolling, HADR, Gunnery Drills, Tactical Maneuvers |
| Primary Goal | Maritime Safety, Combat Coordination, Anti-Smuggling |
| Strategic Zone | Bay of Bengal, Indo-Pacific Region |
