AIKEYME Exercise 2025

The Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) is multilateral naval exercise that commenced on April 13, 2025, in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. This inaugural edition aims to encourage collaboration among Indian and African naval forces in addressing common maritime challenges. The exercise includes participation from several nations, denoting the strengthening ties between India and Africa.

Objectives of AIKEYME

AIKEYME aims to enhance interoperability among the naval forces of participating countries. It seeks to develop collaborative solutions to regional maritime issues such as piracy and illegal fishing. The exercise aligns with India’s vision of promoting security and growth across the Indian Ocean region.

Participating Nations

The exercise involves nine nations including India, Tanzania, Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa. Each country brings its unique capabilities to the exercise, encouraging a spirit of cooperation and mutual learning.

Harbour Phase Activities

The harbour phase runs from April 13 to 15, 2025. It includes an inauguration ceremony attended by high-ranking officials from India and Tanzania. Activities such as table-top exercises and command post exercises on anti-piracy operations are planned. Joint training sessions in seamanship and Visit Board Search and Seizure exercises will be conducted with the Tanzanian Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF).

Community Engagement

To promote camaraderie, the exercise features sports fixtures and yoga sessions. Indian naval ships will be open for public visits, allowing local communities to engage with naval personnel. This initiative aims to strengthen the bond between the Indian Navy and the Tanzanian people.

Sea Phase Activities

The sea phase is scheduled from April 16 to 18, 2025. It will focus on maritime security cooperation among the participating nations. INS Sukanya will depart Dar-es-Salaam on April 15, continuing its mission in the Indian Ocean region.

Significance of AIKEYME

AIKEYME represents a strategic effort to enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean. It puts stress on India’s commitment to encouraging partnerships with African nations. The exercise is expected to contribute to regional stability and security.

Future Prospects

The success of AIKEYME may lead to more frequent joint exercises. It also sets a precedent for collaborative maritime initiatives in the Indian Ocean. This could pave the way for enhanced security cooperation among nations in the region.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of multilateral naval exercises in enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
2. Point out the significance of community engagement activities during international military exercises.
3. Estimate the impact of piracy on maritime trade in the Indian Ocean. How can regional cooperation mitigate this issue?
4. What are the strategic implications of India’s maritime partnerships with African nations? Discuss with suitable examples.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of multilateral naval exercises in enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.

1. Multilateral naval exercises encourage collaboration among participating nations, enhancing operational interoperability.
2. They provide a platform for sharing best practices and intelligence on maritime threats, such as piracy and smuggling.
3. These exercises build trust and mutual understanding, essential for effective joint operations in crisis situations.
4. They serve as a deterrent against maritime crime by showcasing collective naval capabilities.
5. Regular exercises can lead to sustained partnerships, contributing to long-term regional stability and security.

2. Point out the significance of community engagement activities during international military exercises.

1. Community engagement encourages goodwill and strengthens ties between military personnel and local populations.
2. It enhances understanding of the host nation’s culture and values, promoting mutual respect.
3. Activities like sports and public visits help demystify military operations and build public trust in armed forces.
4. Such initiatives can improve the overall image of the participating nations, showcasing their commitment to peace and cooperation.
5. Community engagement can lead to increased local support for military missions and initiatives in the future.

3. Estimate the impact of piracy on maritime trade in the Indian Ocean. How can regional cooperation mitigate this issue?

1. Piracy increases shipping costs due to higher insurance premiums and security measures.
2. It disrupts trade routes, affecting the timely delivery of goods and overall economic stability in the region.
3. Regional cooperation, through joint naval exercises and patrols, can enhance surveillance and deterrence against piracy.
4. Information sharing among countries can lead to more effective responses to piracy incidents.
5. Strengthening legal frameworks and judicial cooperation can help prosecute pirates and reduce impunity.

4. What are the strategic implications of India’s maritime partnerships with African nations? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. India’s maritime partnerships enhance its influence in the Indian Ocean, countering the presence of other powers like China.
2. Collaborative exercises, such as AIKEYME, improve interoperability and readiness to address common maritime challenges.
3. Partnerships facilitate access to strategic ports and resources, boosting India’s trade and energy security.
4. Examples include India’s support for maritime capacity building in countries like Seychelles and Mauritius.
5. These partnerships promote regional stability, encouraging a collective approach to security issues like piracy and illegal fishing.