India and African Nations Launch First-Ever Naval Exercise at Sea

India and several African nations launched the sea phase of their first-ever joint naval exercise in the western Indian Ocean region (IOR) on Wednesday, aiming to strengthen maritime security collaboration and tackle shared challenges in an area where China is actively expanding its influence, according to sources familiar with the development.

The participating navies will conduct joint manoeuvres, anti-piracy drills, visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) exercises, and search-and-rescue operations under the sea phase, the Indian Navy said on Wednesday. (ANI/ Representative photo)

The sea phase follows the conclusion of the harbour phase of the six-day multilateral exercise, named Aikeyme (Africa India Key Maritime Engagement), which wrapped up on Tuesday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. According to the Indian Navy, the ongoing sea phase will feature coordinated naval manoeuvres, anti-piracy operations, visit-board-search-and-seizure (VBSS) drills, and search-and-rescue missions.

“Aikeyme-25 reinforces India’s role as a trusted partner in the Indo-Pacific and African littorals, aligning with the vision of Sagar (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and Mahasagar (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions),” it said in a statement.

The Aikeyme exercise, co-hosted by India and Tanzania, involves several African nations, including Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa. The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) faces challenges such as China’s strategic power plays and the defense of the rule-based international order. Approximately 10 ships, including the INS Chennai destroyer and the landing ship tank INS Kesari, are participating, along with the Indian Navy’s P-8I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft.

The harbour phase, which took place from April 13 to 15, marked a significant advancement in strengthening maritime cooperation among India, Tanzania, and other African nations. The exercise focuses on improving interoperability, refining joint operational strategies, and addressing maritime issues like piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing.

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a major concern in the IOR, with China facing scrutiny for such activities. Beijing’s efforts to expand its maritime presence in the region include establishing military bases, promoting its maritime claims, and pressuring vulnerable states for strategic concessions, which has raised global concerns about China’s intentions.

In March, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi emphasized the Navy’s awareness of ongoing developments in the IOR and its close monitoring of dual-role vessels operating in the region, especially as the Chinese Navy seeks to expand its presence.

The harbour phase also featured a defense exposition, where 22 Indian companies showcased advanced technologies, including surveillance and communication systems. India is tapping into new markets to meet its goal of boosting defense exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2029.

India’s defense exports reached a record ₹23,622 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a 12.04% increase from ₹21,083 crore in 2023-24, driven by policy initiatives and reforms.

(This Article was originally published by Hindustan Times)