India and Africa Unite for Maritime Security
The Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) 2025 was officially launched on April 13 in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, marking a pivotal moment in maritime collaboration between India and African nations. The inauguration featured prominent figures, including Tanzania’s Defence Minister Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, India’s Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The event underscored the commitment of both nations to enhance maritime security and cooperation in the region.
Strengthening Maritime Cooperation
During the inauguration, Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax emphasized the importance of collective action to address maritime threats such as piracy and trafficking. She called for a united front among like-minded partners to foster maritime security. Tax highlighted the need for an “enduring framework” that includes innovation and information sharing. She also reaffirmed Tanzania’s dedication to hosting future editions of AIKEYME, reflecting a broader commitment to regional cooperation beyond military matters.
Tax’s remarks set the tone for the exercise, which aims to build collaborative solutions to regional maritime challenges. The emphasis on partnership and cooperation was a recurring theme, as she urged nations to work together to ensure safe and secure maritime environments.
India’s Commitment to Maritime Security
In his address, RRM Shri Sanjay Seth echoed the call for collaboration, quoting an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” He expressed optimism for a “life-long partnership” between India and African nations, invoking India’s maritime vision known as Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR). Seth thanked Tanzania for co-hosting AIKEYME 2025, reinforcing the significance of this partnership in enhancing maritime security.
The Indian Navy is represented by INS Chennai and INS Kesari during this exercise, with the Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR also present at the inaugural ceremony. The multinational crew from Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) engaged with the chief guests, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the event.
AIKEYME 2025: A Collaborative Initiative
AIKEYME 2025, which translates to “Unity” in Sanskrit, will unfold over six days, involving participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, alongside India and Tanzania. The exercise will consist of a harbor phase featuring joint training and exercises focused on piracy and information sharing, followed by a sea phase aimed at enhancing maritime security cooperation. This initiative is designed to develop collaborative solutions to regional maritime challenges, improve interoperability among participating nations, and strengthen friendly relations between India and African countries. By fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation, AIKEYME 2025 aims to create a safer maritime environment for all involved.
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