Andaman Sea: India Conducts Joint Naval Exercises With Japan, Indonesia; Is China On Target?

New Delhi: On Friday, the Indian Navy, along with Japan and Indonesia, participated in a trilateral exercise in the Andaman Sea. The exercise aims to improve joint combat readiness, strengthen interdependence, and deepen maritime cooperation to maintain a safe and stable region. Considering the maritime background of these three countries, they have all clashed with China at some point or another, or the Dragon has attempted to create disputes over their maritime territories. In this context, the significance of this joint exercise is understandable.

Which nations are conducting joint military exercise in Andaman Sea?

An Indian Navy spokesperson shared information about this exercise on social media platform X. "On February 13, 2026, naval ships from India, Japan, and Indonesia conducted a trilateral exercise in the Andaman Sea, enhancing joint operational readiness, interoperability, and strengthening maritime cooperation towards a safe, secure, and stable region," the Indian Navy statement said.

Indeed, tensions with China are steadily increasing in the South China Sea. India is concerned that this tension may adversely impact its interests in the Indian Ocean. Recently, several suspicious Chinese activities have been reported in the Indian Ocean. Suspicious Chinese surveillance activities have also been reported near the Andaman Sea. Therefore, over the past few years, India has been increasing the number of exercises from the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea, in which many countries have participated.

What is Japan's maritime dispute with China?

The dispute between Japan and China is not new. According to a Reuters report, last year, the Chinese Coast Guard conducted numerous patrols of the Senkaku Islands, a Japanese-administered island in the East China Sea. According to the report, China is trying to increase its influence in this region. China and Japan have previously engaged in maritime disputes, and therefore, Japan is also part of the Quad (Quad) alliance of India, the United States, and Australia.

What is China's dispute with Indonesia?

China and Indonesia are also not immune to maritime disputes. They also have a dispute over the Natuna Islands in the South China Sea. This region contains vast hydrocarbon reserves, and China wants to expand its dominance here by exploiting their energy resources to replenish its reserves. However, Indonesia also claims this archipelago.