India and Tanzania Co-Hosted the 1st Edition of Multilateral Maritime Exercise ‘AIKEYME’ in Tanzania.
International
In April 2025, the inaugural edition of the multilateral maritime exercise titled ‘Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME 2025)’, meaning ‘Unity’ in Sanskrit, commenced in Tanzania from April 13 to April 18, 2025. This first-of-its-kind initiative was co-hosted by India and Tanzania to strengthen maritime cooperation between India and African nations.
- The harbour phase of the exercise was jointly inaugurated onboard Indian Naval Ship (INS) Chennai at Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, by Sanjay Seth, Union Minister of State (MoS), Ministry of Defence (MoD), India, and Dr. Stergomena Lawrence, Minister of Defence and National Service of Tanzania.
- This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, promoting inclusive maritime security and regional cooperation.
Main Point :- (i) The 6-day multilateral maritime exercise witnessed participation from various African nations, including Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa (SA).
(ii) From India, INS Chennai (destroyer) and INS Kesari (large platform) arrived at Dar-es-Salaam to take part in the exercise.
(iii) Additionally, INS Sunayna, renamed as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, departed from Karwar Naval Base on April 5, 2025, and will also participate in the exercise.
About Indian Navy (IN)
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS): Admiral Dinesh Kumar (DK) Tripathi
Headquarters : New Delhi
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