 |
|
The commencement of the Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) exercise in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, marks a significant step in strengthening maritime cooperation between India and African nations. This inaugural large-scale multilateral exercise, beginning on April 13, 2025, underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and the African continent, particularly in the realm of maritime security. The exercise is designed to foster collaborative solutions to address shared regional maritime challenges, enhance interoperability among participating navies, and synergize combined operations. The presence of Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sunayna, designated as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, with personnel from various friendly nations further emphasizes the collaborative spirit of the exercise. The deployment of INS Chennai and INS Kesari in advance of the exercise highlights the commitment of the Indian Navy to this initiative. AIKEYME is not merely a military exercise; it is a manifestation of India's broader strategic vision for the Indian Ocean region, as articulated in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine. This doctrine emphasizes the importance of maritime security, economic cooperation, and regional stability, all of which are central to India's strategic interests. The participation of multiple African nations, including Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa, alongside India and Tanzania, demonstrates the widespread recognition of the importance of maritime security in the region. The exercise aims to enhance the capabilities of participating navies in addressing a range of maritime threats, including piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime terrorism. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for participating navies to share best practices, exchange information, and develop common operating procedures. The AIKEYME exercise is particularly significant in the context of the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indian Ocean region. The region is increasingly becoming a focal point of strategic competition, with various powers vying for influence. In this environment, it is crucial for India and African nations to work together to maintain maritime security and stability. The exercise also serves as a platform for India to project its naval power and demonstrate its commitment to the security of the Indian Ocean region. India has long been a strong advocate for maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, and the AIKEYME exercise is a testament to this commitment. The exercise is likely to enhance India's standing as a responsible maritime power and a key partner for African nations in the region.
The six-day AIKEYME exercise is structured into two distinct phases: the harbor phase and the sea phase. The harbor phase, taking place in Dar-es-Salaam, includes a variety of activities designed to promote collaboration and interoperability among participating navies. A key event of the harbor phase is the inauguration ceremony, which was co-hosted onboard INS Chennai, alongside representatives from the Tanzanian Peoples' Defence Force (TPDF). The ceremony included a ceremonial guard parade, with the TPDF and the Indian Navy band playing the national anthems of their respective countries. This event symbolized the strong and friendly relations between India and Tanzania and the shared commitment to maritime security. The harbor phase also includes table-top and command post exercises focused on anti-piracy operations and information sharing. These exercises are designed to enhance the coordination and communication between participating navies in addressing the threat of piracy. Joint training in seamanship and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises are also planned, in collaboration with the TPDF. These exercises aim to improve the skills of participating navies in conducting maritime interdiction operations. In addition to the professional activities, the harbor phase also includes a range of social and cultural events designed to promote camaraderie among the participants. Sports fixtures and yoga sessions are planned, and Indian Naval ships will be open to visitors during the harbor phase to engage with the local population. These activities are intended to foster goodwill and strengthen the bonds between India and the African nations participating in the exercise. The sea phase, scheduled for the latter part of the exercise, will focus on strengthening maritime security cooperation among participating nations in a more practical, at-sea environment. This phase will involve a series of exercises designed to enhance the capabilities of participating navies in conducting maritime surveillance, interdiction, and anti-piracy operations. The sea phase will also provide an opportunity for participating navies to practice their communication and coordination procedures in a realistic environment. The departure of INS Sukanya from Dar-es-Salaam on April 15 for Nacala, Mozambique, to continue with the IOS SAGAR mission, demonstrates India's continued commitment to maritime security in the region beyond the AIKEYME exercise.
The AIKEYME exercise is not an isolated event but rather part of a broader Indian strategy to enhance maritime security cooperation with African nations. India has a long history of close ties with Africa, and maritime security is an increasingly important aspect of this relationship. India's SAGAR doctrine recognizes the importance of maritime security for the economic development and stability of the Indian Ocean region. The doctrine emphasizes the need for India to work with its neighbors to address shared maritime challenges, such as piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime terrorism. India has been actively involved in providing maritime security assistance to African nations, including training, equipment, and joint exercises. India has also been a strong advocate for greater maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, including the establishment of a regional maritime security architecture. The AIKEYME exercise is a concrete example of India's commitment to this approach. The exercise is likely to contribute to enhanced maritime security in the region, as well as to stronger relations between India and African nations. It will enhance the capabilities of participating navies in addressing maritime threats and promote greater coordination and cooperation. The exercise also sends a strong message to potential adversaries that India and African nations are committed to maintaining maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. The AIKEYME exercise is a significant milestone in the growing strategic partnership between India and Africa. It underscores the importance of maritime security for the economic development and stability of the region and demonstrates the commitment of India and African nations to work together to address shared maritime challenges. The exercise is likely to have a lasting impact on maritime security in the Indian Ocean region and contribute to a stronger and more prosperous future for the region.
Source: Inaugural India, Africa maritime engagement exercise begins in Tanzania