Description

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Context

The inaugural edition of Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) began recently at Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania marking a significant step in India’s maritime diplomacy and security cooperation with African nations.

This multilateral exercise aligns with India’s vision of MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions and highlights India's proactive role in the Indian Ocean Region.

Objectives of AIKEYME

Enhance interoperability and synergy among participating maritime forces.

Promote collaborative responses to regional maritime security challenges e.g. piracy, illegal fishing.

Strengthen India-Africa maritime partnerships under the SAGAR doctrine that is Security and Growth for All in the Region.

Boost capacity building, information sharing and confidence-building measures.

Participating Nations

Ten nations are part of this maiden exercise

Indiaand Tanzania as co-hosts.
Comoros
Djibouti
Kenya
Madagascar
Mauritius
Mozambique
Seychelles
South Africa

Indian Naval Assets Involved

Naval Ship	Type	Role in Exercise
INS Chennai	Guided Missile Destroyer	Hosted inauguration; ceremonial guard
INS Kesari	Landing Ship Tank (Large)	Support and logistics
INS Sunayna (IOS SAGAR)	Offshore Patrol Vessel	Carried 44 personnel from 9 partner nations
INS Sukanya	Offshore Patrol Vessel	Scheduled to visit Mozambique post exercise

Phases of the Exercise

Harbour Phase

Inauguration ceremony onboard INS Chennai.

Tabletop exercises and Command Post Exercises focusing on anti-piracy operations, information sharing, joint training in seamanship and Visit, Board, Search & Seizure (VBSS) operations.

Community outreach.

Sea Phase

Simulated joint maritime security operations.

Emphasis on enhancing coordination in

Maritime domain awareness
Search and rescue
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
Combatting transnational crimes at sea

Significance

Aspect	Significance
Geopolitical	Deepens India Africa ties in the Indian Ocean Rim; counters influence of rivals
Security	Boosts regional maritime security architecture against threats like piracy
Diplomatic	Demonstrates India’s soft power and strategic outreach to African littorals
Operational	Enhances Indian Navy’s blue water capabilities and experience in multilateral ops

Broader Context

SAGAR: India’s maritime vision articulated by PM Modi in 2015.

MAHASAGAR: Reinforces SAGAR through mutual, holistic, and regional cooperation across the IOR, especially with African nations.

AIKEYME exemplifies these visions through practical cooperation and engagement.

Sources:

HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. India’s evolving maritime engagement with African littoral states marks a strategic shift in its foreign policy approach in the Indian Ocean Region. In light of the Africa India Key Maritime Engagement, critically examine how such initiatives align with India’s vision of SAGAR and MAHASAGAR. 250 Words.