Chief of the Indian Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi has begun a four-day official visit to Myanmar, scheduled from May 2 to May 5, 2026. The visit underscores India’s continued focus on strengthening defence and maritime cooperation with Myanmar as part of broader regional security engagement in the Indian Ocean Region.
High-level discussions to review defence cooperation
During the visit, Admiral Tripathi is set to hold bilateral discussions with senior leadership of the Myanmar Armed Forces. This includes General Ye Win Oo, Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Armed Forces, Defence Minister General U Htun Aung and Admiral Htein Win, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Navy.
These interactions are expected to review ongoing maritime cooperation between the two navies and explore new areas of collaboration, particularly in operational coordination and capacity building.
Focus on maritime security and capability enhancement
The visit will include engagements at key Myanmar naval establishments such as the Central Naval Command, Naval Training Command, and No. 1 Fleet. Admiral Tripathi will also lay a wreath at the Myanmar Armed Forces Fallen Heroes’ War Memorial as part of the official programme.
Discussions will focus on a wide range of defence cooperation areas, including maritime security, joint training, capability enhancement, and operational readiness.
Longstanding naval cooperation between India and Myanmar
India and Myanmar maintain regular naval cooperation through structured mechanisms such as Defence Cooperation Meetings and Staff Talks.
Both sides also engage in training exchanges and operational coordination, including joint exercises like India–Myanmar Naval Exercise (IMNEX) and Indo-Myanmar Coordinated Patrol (IMCOR).
The cooperation further extends to port visits, hydrography surveys and participation in multilateral naval events.
Also, Myanmar has consistently participated in major Indian Navy-led initiatives such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, MILAN, International Fleet Review, Goa Maritime Conclave, IOS SAGAR, and the Admiral’s Cup. These engagements highlight growing regional maritime collaboration and interoperability between the two navies.
The visit by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi reaffirms the longstanding friendship between India and Myanmar, built on mutual trust and shared maritime interests. Both countries continue to emphasise cooperation for maintaining maritime security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.