India and nine African nations have commenced the maiden Africa-India maritime exercise ‘AIKEYME’ from April 13 to 18, 2025, in Tanzania. The exercise aims to enhance maritime security, interoperability, and regional cooperation across the Western Indian Ocean.

Key Highlights:

• AIKEYME stands for "Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement" and means “Unity” in Sanskrit, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and solidarity.
• The exercise is co-hosted by the Indian Navy and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force.
• Participating nations include India, Tanzania, Kenya, Comoros, Djibouti, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa.
• The drill is being held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, along the strategic Western Indian Ocean region.
• The Harbour Phase (April 13–15) involved professional exchanges, anti-piracy workshops, search-and-seizure training, and joint planning sessions to build trust and coordination.
• The Sea Phase (April 16–18) features practical maritime drills including joint naval maneuvers, anti-piracy operations, VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure), search and rescue missions, small arms training, and helicopter operations.
• The initiative is part of India’s broader strategic outreach under the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, promoting inclusive maritime cooperation.
• AIKEYME is a testament to India's role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region and highlights the growing naval collaboration between India and African coastal nations.

This landmark exercise is expected to strengthen maritime partnerships, ensure regional stability, and pave the way for future cooperative efforts in the Indo-African maritime domain.