Amidst the ongoing border dispute with China, India will conduct its first major naval exercise, named ‘AIME’, with ten African nations. This exercise is part of a strategy to strengthen India's military presence in the African continent.
New Delhi: To solidify its position in the Indian Ocean and elevate its strategic partnerships with African nations, India is set to conduct its first-ever joint naval exercise, ‘AFINDEX Maritime Engagement – AIME’, with ten African countries. This unprecedented exercise aims to enhance maritime security, ensure regional stability, and further strengthen India's role in global strategic equations.
India's New Maritime Strategy
This historic drill will be held from April 13th to 18th in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participating nations alongside India include Tanzania, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the exercise. Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, the Vice Chief of the Indian Navy, stated that in recent years, India has taken several strategic steps towards maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) under its 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
Initiatives like AIME and the upcoming ‘Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar’ will establish India as the ‘first responder’ and a ‘reliable security partner’ in the region.
A Setback for China
India's move is seen as a counter to China's growing maritime presence and increasing influence in African nations. China has established naval bases along African coasts and closely monitors the activities of Somali pirates and Houthi rebels. This strategic move by India is considered a b message to China.
In April, India will also launch the ‘IOS Sagar’ initiative, deploying a joint team of 44 personnel – Indian sailors and personnel from nine friendly nations – aboard INS Sunayna. From April 5th to May 8th, this team will participate in maritime surveillance and security operations in the south-west Indian Ocean region.
India's Growing Naval Power
Although the activities of Somali pirates and Houthi rebels have decreased in recent months, the Indian Navy maintains a permanent warship deployment in the Gulf of Aden. Additional warships will be deployed as needed. This initiative will not only strengthen India's defense cooperation with African nations but also signal to China that India's position in the Indian Ocean cannot be taken lightly.
