The ninth edition of the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR) Exercise 2026 concluded at Simon’s Town, South Africa, on 20 October 2026. It brought together the Indian, Brazilian and South African navies for a series of professional interactions and maritime evolutions aimed at enhancing interoperability, strengthening operational cooperation and fostering greater mutual understanding among the three maritime forces.

The closing ceremony marked the culmination of 10 days of joint activities conducted during the harbour and sea phases. Participating personnel engaged in professional exchanges, operational interactions and joint training, gaining valuable insights into each other’s procedures, capabilities and methods of operating at sea. These activities helped build familiarity and confidence among the participating navies, enabling them to work together with enhanced synergy in the maritime domain.

Addressing the gathering at the closing ceremony, the Commanding Officer of INS Tarkash highlighted that exercises such as IBSAMAR provide a unique platform for translating longstanding diplomatic relationships into meaningful naval cooperation. He 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. The trilateral exercise provides an avenue for their navies to address common maritime challenges, exchange best practices and strengthen their ability to operate together, thereby contributing to a peaceful maritime environment.

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.

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.