Exercise Bongo Sagar, recently seen in the news, is a:

The correct answer is option 2.

In News

• The India-Bangladesh Naval Exercise Bongo Sagar 2025 was conducted in the Bay of Bengal to enhance maritime security cooperation.

Key Points

• What is Exercise Bongo Sagar?
  • It is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Bangladesh.
  • Designed to enhance interoperability and operational expertise through complex maritime operations.
  • It was first held in 2019, and 2025 marks its fifth edition.
  • Part of India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
• Exercise Highlights:
  • Surface firing, tactical maneuvers, and underway replenishment.
  • Visit-Board-Search-Seizure (VBSS) operations and cross-boarding exercises.
  • Communication drills and professional quizzes for officers.
• Strategic Importance:
  • Strengthens maritime coordination and information sharing.
  • Improves both navies’ ability to conduct coordinated responses to emerging threats at sea.
  • Enhances regional security and supports India’s maritime diplomacy with neighboring countries.
    • Hence, option 2 is correct.

Additional Information

• India and Bangladesh Naval Cooperation:
  • The two navies also conduct the Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) to enhance maritime domain awareness.
  • Both nations collaborate on counter-piracy, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations in the Indian Ocean Region.
• SAGAR Initiative:
• India’s vision for regional maritime security.
• Aims to ensure safe, secure, and stable seas through cooperative engagements with maritime neighbors.