India, African Nations Launch First AIKEYME Naval Exercise in Tanzania
DEFENSE

India, African Nations Launch First AIKEYME Naval Exercise in Tanzania

The inaugural edition of the Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) started marking a significant step in strengthening maritime collaboration between India and African partner nations. The six-day multilateral naval exercise, hosted in Dar-es-Salaam, is co-organised by India and Tanzania, and aims to foster regional maritime security and interoperability.

Coinciding with the opening of the exercise, Indian Navy’s INS Sunayna, designated as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, arrived at Dar-es-Salaam on Saturday carrying 44 naval personnel from nine partner nations, including Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa.

In a statement, the Indian Navy said, “AIKEYME aims to develop collaborative solutions to common regional maritime challenges… and enhance interoperability and synergise combined operations among the maritime forces of partner nations.” The initiative also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

Ahead of the event, INS Chennai (destroyer) and INS Kesari [Landing Ship Tank (Large)] docked in Dar-es-Salaam, setting the stage for the harbour phase of the exercise. The inauguration ceremony was co-hosted aboard INS Chennai along with the Tanzanian Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF). A ceremonial guard and a band played the national anthems of participating nations, reflecting the spirit of unity and collaboration.

The harbour phase of AIKEYME-25, running from April 13–15, features table-top and command post exercises focused on anti-piracy operations, information sharing, and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) training. The Indian Navy has also lined up joint seamanship drills and cultural exchanges including sports fixtures, yoga sessions, and ship visits to engage with the local population.

The sea phase, scheduled from April 16–18, will intensify focus on maritime operational drills to improve real-time cooperation and tactical coordination between the navies.

Meanwhile, INS Sukanya, another Indian naval asset under the IOS SAGAR mission, will depart from Dar-es-Salaam on April 15 to continue its journey to Nacala, Mozambique, further extending India’s maritime outreach in the region.

Through AIKEYME, India is not only boosting maritime preparedness in the Indian Ocean Region but also reaffirming its commitment to being a net security provider and dependable partner to African nations.

The inaugural edition of the Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) started marking a significant step in strengthening maritime collaboration between India and African partner nations. The six-day multilateral naval exercise, hosted in Dar-es-Salaam, is co-organised by India and Tanzania, and aims to foster regional maritime security and interoperability. Coinciding with the opening of the exercise, Indian Navy’s INS Sunayna, designated as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, arrived at Dar-es-Salaam on Saturday carrying 44 naval personnel from nine partner nations, including Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa. In a statement, the Indian Navy said, “AIKEYME aims to develop collaborative solutions to common regional maritime challenges… and enhance interoperability and synergise combined operations among the maritime forces of partner nations.” The initiative also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. Ahead of the event, INS Chennai (destroyer) and INS Kesari [Landing Ship Tank (Large)] docked in Dar-es-Salaam, setting the stage for the harbour phase of the exercise. The inauguration ceremony was co-hosted aboard INS Chennai along with the Tanzanian Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF). A ceremonial guard and a band played the national anthems of participating nations, reflecting the spirit of unity and collaboration. The harbour phase of AIKEYME-25, running from April 13–15, features table-top and command post exercises focused on anti-piracy operations, information sharing, and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) training. The Indian Navy has also lined up joint seamanship drills and cultural exchanges including sports fixtures, yoga sessions, and ship visits to engage with the local population. The sea phase, scheduled from April 16–18, will intensify focus on maritime operational drills to improve real-time cooperation and tactical coordination between the navies. Meanwhile, INS Sukanya, another Indian naval asset under the IOS SAGAR mission, will depart from Dar-es-Salaam on April 15 to continue its journey to Nacala, Mozambique, further extending India’s maritime outreach in the region. Through AIKEYME, India is not only boosting maritime preparedness in the Indian Ocean Region but also reaffirming its commitment to being a net security provider and dependable partner to African nations.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

India’s Maha Kumbh of Road Construction

The RAHSTA Forum 2025, held on June 25 at Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai, delivered powerful insights and dialogue on the future of India’s roads and highways sector. Organised by the FIRST Construction Council, the Forum served as the curtain-raiser to the much-anticipated RAHSTA Expo 2025, set to take place on 3rd and 4th September at the Jio Convention Centre, Mumbai.Union Minister of Roads Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, while appreciating the efforts of FIRST Construction Council and ASAPP Info Global Group, commended the awards which recognise excellence across various..

Next Story
Real Estate

Built to Last, Designed to Impress

The construction and interior design industries stand at the confluence of functionality and aesthetics, where innovation powers the creation of enduring structures and inspiring spaces. At the heart of this process are materials and solutions that enable architects, designers, and builders to realise their visions with precision and reliability.Featuring iconic brands such as Fevicol—synonymous with adhesive solutions—Dr. Fixit, a complete waterproofing system renowned for addressing every critical area of construction, and Roff, a specialist in tile-fixing solutions, Pidilite has earned ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

New Push to Cut India’s Air Pollution through Power Sector Reforms

In a significant stride toward environmental sustainability, Cummins India introduced CPCB IV+ compliant gensets to India on July 5, 2023, marking a paradigm shift in the power generation industry. These generators are engineered to adhere to the progressive emission norms set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Being the first sets in the field, they have garnered praise for their remarkable achievements in emissions reduction and cutting-edge technology. Powerica, with its four-decade-long partnership with Cummins India Limited, is dedicated to consistently deliver th..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?