Asik SyedThe Indian Navy is gearing up for AIKEYME, a high-profile maritime exercise designed to bolster defense cooperation with African nations. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision, which emphasizes security and regional growth. Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, will serve as the backdrop for this strategic exercise, jointly hosted by the Indian Navy and the Tanzania Peoples Defence Force.
About AIKEYME Maritime Exercise?
AIKEYME, short for Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement, is a collaborative effort to enhance maritime security and strengthen interoperability among participating countries. This year, ten African nations will take part, including:
- Tanzania
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Seychelles
- South Africa
Key Objectives
The primary focus of AIKEYME is to combat maritime security threats such as piracy and illegal fishing. The exercise aims to:
✔ Foster regional cooperation through information sharing and surveillance.
✔ Improve capacity building among African navies.
✔ Enhance operational readiness for joint missions.
Exercise Structure
The six-day AIKEYME exercise is divided into two critical phases:
🔹 Harbour Phase (Onshore)
- Table-top discussions on piracy and information sharing.
- Seamanship training and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills.
🔹 Sea Phase (Offshore)
- Tactical seamanship exercises and search-and-rescue operations.
- Small-arms firing and coordinated helicopter operations.
Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar Initiative
Complementing AIKEYME, the Indian Navy has also launched the IOS Sagar initiative. Under this program:
- INS Sunayna will be deployed to the southwest Indian Ocean.
- The vessel will feature a joint crew comprising Indian and African naval personnel.
- The mission will enhance joint operational capabilities in the region.
Training & Capacity Building
To prepare for AIKEYME, naval personnel from nine African nations will undergo a two-week intensive training program at professional naval schools in Kochi, India. This training will equip them with the necessary skills for their deployment aboard INS Sunayna.
Strategic Significance
AIKEYME and IOS Sagar underline India’s growing role as a security partner in the Indian Ocean Region. These initiatives:
- Reinforce India’s naval diplomacy in Africa.
- Counter China’s expanding maritime influence on the continent.
- Address critical security concerns, including piracy and threats from Houthi rebels.
By strengthening maritime cooperation, AIKEYME paves the way for a safer and more secure Indian Ocean Region, reinforcing India’s commitment to global maritime stability.
Neha Baruah
