Russia and Myanmar started their first maritime exercises on November 7, 2023, in the Andaman Sea. The exercises, which are scheduled to last until November 9, involve ships and aircraft from both countries.
The exercises are part of a growing military relationship between Russia and Myanmar. Russia has been a major supplier of weapons to Myanmar in recent years, and the two countries have also held joint military exercises in the past.
The exercises are taking place in the Andaman Sea, which is a strategically important waterway that connects the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea. The sea is also home to a number of oil and gas reserves, and it is a major shipping route for China.
The exercises are likely to be seen with concern by the United States and its allies in the region. The US has been trying to isolate Myanmar since the military coup in February 2021, and it has imposed sanctions on the country. The US is also concerned about Russia’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
It is unclear what the specific objectives of the maritime exercises are. However, they are likely intended to send a message about the close relationship between Russia and Myanmar, and to deter other countries from interfering in their affairs.