WANA (Oct 08) – During a joint meeting of naval delegations from Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan in Saint Petersburg, Russia proposed holding a multilateral naval exercise in the Caspian Sea in 2026.

 

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday that Moscow had proposed to Iran, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan the organization of a military exercise aimed at “practicing the protection of maritime navigation and economic infrastructure.”

 

According to reports, the naval commanders of Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan met earlier in the day in Saint Petersburg. The Russian delegation was led by Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, Commander of the Northern Fleet.

 

In a statement, the Russian Defense Ministry said the proposed 2026 exercise would focus on enhancing coordination among the Caspian littoral states to ensure maritime security and safeguard economic facilities in the region. The drills will also include joint search and rescue operations in the Caspian Sea.

 

Admiral Moiseyev emphasized that the Caspian is a closed sea, where only the five littoral states are authorized to conduct maritime activities. “We firmly believe that the naval forces of our countries possess the capability, competence, and resources necessary to address regional challenges and threats without the involvement of extra-regional actors,” he said.

 

During the talks, the Russian side also proposed reactivating expert working groups to finalize and prepare the signing of a five-party memorandum of cooperation on Caspian maritime affairs.

Warships take part in the closing parade of a joint naval military drill between Iran, Russia, and China in the Gulf of Oman, Iran, in this picture obtained by Reuters on March 18, 2023. Iranian Army/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Warships take part in the closing parade of a joint naval military drill between Iran, Russia, and China in the Gulf of Oman, Iran, in this picture obtained by Reuters on March 18, 2023. Iranian Army/WANA (West Asia News Agency)