Exercise IBSAMAR IX

Why in News?

The Indian Navy's INS Tarkash participated in the ninth edition of the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime Exercise (IBSAMAR IX), held in South Africa from 12 to 20 October 2026. The exercise concluded at Simon's Town, South Africa, after ten days of joint naval activities.

About Exercise IBSAMAR

IBSAMAR is a trilateral maritime exercise conducted between the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa under the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) framework. It was first conducted in 2008 and has been held biennially to strengthen naval cooperation, operational coordination and interoperability among the three countries.

The exercise provides a platform for the participating navies to exchange operational practices, conduct joint maritime training and develop the ability to respond collectively to common maritime challenges.

Theme of IBSAMAR IX: Stronger Together Towards a Shared Future in the Maritime Domain.

Key Features of IBSAMAR IX (2026)

1. Participating Countries: India, Brazil and South Africa.

2. Venue: Simon's Town, South Africa.

3. Indian Naval Participation: India participated through INS Tarkash, a frontline guided-missile stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, accompanied by an integral Chetak helicopter.

4. Participating Naval Assets:

• India: INS Tarkash with Chetak helicopter.
• Brazil: BNS Barroso with an integral Lynx helicopter.
• South Africa: SAS Amatola, SAS King Sekhukhune I, SAS Adam Kok III and SAS Manthatisi submarine.

5. Major Operations and Drills: The exercise covered a wide range of maritime operations, including:

• Surface warfare and anti-air warfare.
• Anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
• Naval air operations and maritime interdiction.
• Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS).
• Anti-piracy operations and Search and Rescue (SAR).
• Damage control and firefighting exercises.

6. Phases: The exercise involved harbour and sea phases. The harbour phase focused on professional exchanges, operational interactions and joint planning, while the sea phase involved practical maritime operations and joint training.

Significance of the Exercise

IBSAMAR strengthens India's maritime engagement with two important partners from the Global South. It enhances interoperability by allowing the three navies to familiarise themselves with each other's operational procedures, communication systems and capabilities.

The exercise is also significant for maritime security across the Indian Ocean and South Atlantic regions. Cooperation among the three countries supports efforts to address common challenges such as piracy, maritime trafficking and threats to international shipping routes.

Furthermore, it strengthens the broader IBSA partnership by translating diplomatic relations into practical defence and maritime cooperation.

About INS Tarkash

INS Tarkash is a Talwar-class guided-missile stealth frigate of the Indian Navy. It is the second of the three Talwar-class frigates built in Russia for India.

The warship was constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, and commissioned into the Indian Navy on 9 November 2012. It is equipped for multiple naval operations, including surface warfare and air defence.

About the IBSA Dialogue Forum

The India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum is a trilateral cooperation platform established by the three countries in 2003 through the Brasilia Declaration.

It brings together three major democracies from Asia, South America and Africa to promote cooperation among developing countries. Its areas of engagement include political coordination, economic cooperation, social development and South-South cooperation.

IBSAMAR is an important maritime and defence cooperation initiative under this broader partnership.

Conclusion

IBSAMAR IX reflects the growing importance of trilateral naval cooperation in addressing shared maritime challenges. For India, the exercise strengthens defence partnerships with Brazil and South Africa, enhances operational interoperability and supports the vision of safe, secure and open seas.