The Indian Navy is increasing its cooperation with Africa and the Indian Ocean Region due to the growing threats of piracy, China's influence, and Houthi rebels.
The Indian Navy will hold a large multinational exercise called “Africa India Key Maritime Engagement” (AIKEYME) with 10 African countries to strengthen maritime security ties.
The INS Sunayna will be deployed to the Southwest Indian Ocean from April 5 to May 8 with a crew that includes personnel from India and 9 African nations.
During the deployment, INS Sunayna will visit ports in Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania), Nacala (Mozambique), Port Louis (Mauritius), Port Victoria (Seychelles), and Male (Maldives), while conducting joint surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
Personnel from the 9 African countries will receive two weeks of naval training at Kochi, including at-sea training and involvement in various shipboard activities.
PM Modi's MAHASAGAR initiative aims to enhance India’s role as a key security partner in the region, with AIKEYME and IOS Sagar being part of this strategy.
The Indian Navy has been collaborating with Indian Ocean nations for over a decade through joint exercises, coordinated patrols, information sharing, and humanitarian missions.
The AIKEYME exercise will be co-hosted by India and Tanzania, strengthening diplomatic and security ties between the countries.
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