The Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) 2025 was
inaugurated on 13 Apr 25 in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, marking a significant
step in strengthening maritime cooperation between India and African
nations. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Stergomena
Lawrence Tax, Minister of Defence and National Service of Tanzania,
Shri Sanjay Seth, India's Raksha Rajya Mantri (RRM) and Chief of the
Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The event also saw the attendance
of distinguished military leaders, including the Chief of Defence Force of the
Tanzania Peoples' Defence Force (TPDF).
Tanzania's Defence Minister, Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, whilst
inaugurating the exercise, stressed the "significance of going along" to tackle
maritime threats like piracy and trafficking. She called for "collaborative effort
towards Maritime security by like-minded partners" and highlighted the aim of
building an "enduring framework of maritime security, including innovation
and information sharing." She also reaffirmed Tanzania's commitment to
hosting future AIKEYME editions and their broader belief in "collaborative
regional cooperation" beyond military affairs.
In his address, RRM Shri Sanjay Seth emphasised the spirit of
collaboration by quoting the African proverb, "If you want to go fast, go
alone, If you want to go far, go together." He expressed hope for a "life-
long partnership”, invoked India's maritime vision Mutual and Holistic
Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) and
thanked Tanzania for co-hosting AIKEYME 25 alongside India.
For AIKEYME, the Indian Navy is represented by INS Chennai and INS
Kesari. Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR was also present for the inaugural
ceremony. The chief guests interacted with the multinational crew from
Friendly Foreign Countries(FFCs) from IOS Sagar.
AIKEYME 25, meaning ‘Unity’ in Sanskrit, will be conducted over six
days with participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar,
Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa, alongside India and
Tanzania. The exercise will include a harbour phase with joint training and
exercises focused on piracy and information sharing, followed by a sea phase
to enhance maritime security cooperation. This initiative aims to develop
collaborative solutions to regional maritime challenges, enhance
interoperability, and strengthen the friendly relations between India and
African nations.
VM/SKS 87/25
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