The exercises aim to boost collaboration and develop solutions to address maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean

India has announced the start of new naval exercises alongside nine African nations, aimed at fostering collaboration and addressing maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean region.

The Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) exercises began on Sunday in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, the Indian Navy said.

The six-day AIKEYME (which in Sanskrit means 'unity') drills involve co-hosts India and Tanzania, as well as Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa.

The Indian Navy said the initiative is designed to boost interoperability and coordinate operations among the maritime forces of the participating nations, while also showcasing the strong and friendly ties between India and African countries.

"This initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promoting Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR)," the Indian Navy said in a statement.

The Indian Naval vessel Chennai, a destroyer, and INS Kesari, a landing ship tank, arrived in Dar-es-Salaam prior to the exercise, officials added.

The Indian Navy and the Tanzanian People's Defense Force (TPDF) jointly hosted the AIKEYME inauguration ceremony onboard INS Chennai, which featured a ceremonial guard parade accompanied by the TPDF and Indian Navy bands playing the national anthems of the two nations in unison.

The harbour phase of AIKEYME-25 commenced with an inauguration ceremony and a deck reception, attended by Indian Defense Minister Sanjay Seth and his Tanzanian counterpart, Stergomena Tax, as chief guests. Various activities are planned during the first phase, including table-top and command post exercises focused on anti-piracy operations and information sharing, as well as joint training in seamanship and Visit Board Search and Seizure exercises in collaboration with the TPDF.

During the harbor phase of the drills, participants will focus on professional and social exchanges to build mutual understanding.

At the same time, the offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna, also known as the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, arrived at the port on Saturday, carrying 44 naval personnel from nine nations.

The maritime phase will focus on navigation skills, search and rescue operations, handling small arms, and helicopter exercise coordination.

The INS Sukanya will depart from Dar-es-Salaam on April 15, heading to its next port of call, Nacala, Mozambique, where it will continue with its Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR mission.

In October 2022, India held its first-ever trilateral navalexercisewith Tanzania and Mozambique, focusing on asymmetric threats, boat and helicopter operations, casualty evacuation drills, firefighting, and visit board search and seizure drills.

(RT.com)