Russia proposes joint naval drills with Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan in Caspian Sea

Russia has proposed holding a joint naval exercise with Azerbaijan, Iran, and Kazakhstan in the Caspian Sea in 2026, the Russian Ministry of Defence has said.

The Ministry noted that the proposal was made following a meeting of the commanders of the naval forces of Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan in St. Petersburg, Caliber.Az reports Russian media.

“The Russian side suggested organising a multilateral naval exercise of the Caspian littoral states in 2026, aimed at improving the security of navigation and maritime economic infrastructure,” the ministry said in a statement.

The drills are also expected to include joint search and rescue operations. The Russian Defence Ministry emphasized that all activities within the closed waters of the Caspian Sea should be conducted exclusively by the five coastal nations.

During the talks, the Russian delegation also proposed resuming the work of expert naval groups to draft a five-party memorandum of understanding and cooperation in the naval sphere of the Caspian region.

By Khagan Isayev