In a landmark step toward deepening maritime cooperation between India and African nations, the harbour phase of the maiden Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) exercise was formally inaugurated onboard Indian Naval Ship (INS) Chennai in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The event was jointly launched by Tanzania’s Minister of Defence and National Service, Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax, and India’s Minister of State (MoS) for Defence, Sanjay Seth.
AIKEYME 2025, a first-of-its-kind initiative co-hosted by India and Tanzania, features naval participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa. The exercise aims to foster stronger regional maritime security frameworks in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
As part of the inaugural events, MoS Sanjay Seth also participated virtually in launching a new Weapons Training Simulator facility in Arusha. He also inaugurated a Defence Expo showcasing the strength of India’s defence industry. The Expo features 22 Indian companies displaying key defence platforms and systems.
In his address, MoS Seth underscored the importance of shared purpose in overcoming maritime challenges, advocating for unity and mutual growth under the principle of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across the Region. He echoed the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” emphasizing the need for enduring partnerships to secure a peaceful and prosperous maritime future.
Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax thanked India for co-hosting AIKEYME and described the initiative as a strategic move toward stronger maritime collaboration. She stressed the importance of collective responses to challenges such as piracy, trafficking, and maritime crimes. Reaffirming Tanzania’s commitment to future editions of the exercise, she also called for enhanced innovation and information sharing to bolster regional maritime security.
During his visit, MoS Seth also interacted with personnel from participating navies and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) SAGAR ship. He toured INS Chennai and presented goodwill gifts to Tanzania, including 15 sets of parachutes, books for the National Defence College, and a Tri-Services War Gaming Simulator, reflecting the deepening defence ties between the two nations, according to a Defence Ministry statement.
AIKEYME 2025 and the IOS SAGAR initiative mark a significant step forward in multilateral naval collaboration. They reaffirm the shared commitment of the participating nations to a free, open, and secure Indian Ocean, strengthening bonds that transcend borders and laying the foundation for a future of sustained regional cooperation.
Team BharatShakti
