The inaugural edition of Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME), meaning ‘Unity’ in Sanskrit, marks a milestone in collaborative maritime security and cooperation. Scheduled from April 13 to April 18, AIKEYME 2025 brings together ten participating nations, including Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, India, and Tanzania, united by a shared vision of addressing regional maritime challenges.
AIKEYME 2025 aligns with the Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions initiative (MAHASAGAR), endorsed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It aims to enhance interoperability, foster regional camaraderie, and develop collaborative solutions for maritime security threats.
The Indian naval ships INS Chennai and INS Kesari arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 10 and April 11, respectively, as co-hosts alongside the Tanzanian People’s Defence Force. AIKEYME’s opening ceremony will be held aboard these vessels, which were welcomed with a ceremonial guard and the harmonious sounds of the Indian Navy and Tanzanian People’s Defence Force bands playing national anthems.
During the harbor phase of AIKEYME, participants will engage in joint training sessions and exercises focusing on anti-piracy operations, information sharing, seamanship, and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) tactics. Adding a cultural dimension, yoga sessions and sports fixtures will encourage camaraderie among nations, and the Indian ships will be open to the local community for visits.
The sea phase, spanning April 16 to April 18, is expected to be an immersive effort toward strengthening maritime security cooperation through coordinated exercises and collaborative operations. AIKEYME will reinforce the already strong relations between India and African nations while paving the way for enhanced security in regional waters.
INS Sunayna, deployed under the Indian Navy’s SAGAR initiative, will also join AIKEYME after sailing out from Karwar on April 5. This integration of the SAGAR initiative underlines India’s commitment to maritime diplomacy and regional engagement.
AIKEYME 2025 stands as a testament to the unity and collective dedication of participating nations toward achieving shared goals of maritime stability, security, and growth. It is a step forward in strengthening bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Africa, showcasing the potential of multilateral engagement in solving complex regional challenges.
