In a historic move, India and 10 African nations are set to conduct their first joint naval exercise in April, marking a major step in regional security cooperation. The six-day drill, dubbed Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME), will be held off the coast of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
Scheduled to begin mid-April, the exercise will see naval forces from Tanzania, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa participate. India’s Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, is expected to inaugurate the event. The exercise will occur in two phases: a harbor phase with discussions and training, followed by a sea phase involving anti-piracy operations, search and rescue missions, and more.
This drill is a key element of India’s broader maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean, as it seeks to enhance security and counter China’s growing influence. The event will become biennial, officials said, reflecting a deepening defense partnership between India and African nations.
In a related initiative, India will launch the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar, an offshore patrol mission running from April 15 to May 8. Crewed by Indian sailors and 44 naval personnel from nine African nations, the ship will conduct surveillance in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of participating nations.
Tanzania’s military chief, Col. Gaudentius Ilonda, hailed the exercise, emphasizing its role in strengthening regional security. “This is a historic step forward,” he said, reinforcing Tanzania’s role in safeguarding Indian Ocean security. The exercise aligns with India’s broader regional doctrine of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).