What happened?
The Indian Navy will conduct its first-ever joint maritime exercise with African nations, named Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME), from mid-April 2025. Co-hosted by the Indian Navy and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force, the exercise will take place in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the event, which will feature participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa. The two-phase drill will include harbour-based tabletop simulations on piracy, command post exercises, and training in Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations. The sea phase will feature search and rescue (SAR) operations, small arms firing, and helicopter manoeuvres.
Why it matters to India
The AIKEYME exercise is strategically significant for India’s maritime security and diplomatic outreach in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). By collaborating with African nations, India aims to enhance its influence and build stronger security partnerships in the region. The exercise also reinforces India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policy, which promotes regional stability through maritime cooperation. Furthermore, the Indian Navy’s Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar initiative, involving joint surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) with African partners, strengthens India’s role as the Preferred Security Partner and First Responder in the IOR. The enhanced interoperability with African navies will improve India’s ability to combat piracy, illegal trafficking, and unregulated fishing, safeguarding its maritime trade routes.
