Historic India-Africa Naval Drills: Strengthening Security in the Indian Ocean
- India International Affairs South Asia
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 6 minutes read
In a landmark move aimed at bolstering maritime security and countering China’s growing footprint in the Indian Ocean, India and multiple African nations are set to conduct their first-ever joint naval exercises named AIKEYME. This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening regional partnerships, enhancing interoperability among naval forces, and safeguarding the crucial trade routes of the Indian Ocean. With New Delhi committed to combating piracy, illegal trafficking, unregulated fishing, and unauthorized surveillance activities, these drills come at a time when China has been accused of engaging in dubious maritime operations. Chinese fishing vessels and so-called “research ships” have repeatedly been spotted near African waters, raising concerns among coastal nations. Some, such as Mozambique, have openly protested China’s illegal fishing activities, which have depleted marine resources for decades. Against this backdrop, India is emerging as a trusted ally for African nations, providing a transparent, rules-based alternative to China’s often opaque and debt-driven engagements.
Strategic Importance of the India-Africa Naval Drills
The Indian Ocean is one of the world’s most vital maritime highways, facilitating nearly 80% of global trade. It houses crucial chokepoints, including:
- The Strait of Hormuz (connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman)
- Bab el Mandeb (linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden)
- The Mozambique Channel (a critical shipping route off the coast of East Africa)
These regions are increasingly becoming hotbeds of geopolitical competition, particularly as China aggressively expands its economic and military footprint. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the establishment of a naval base in Djibouti, China is solidifying its presence in Africa. By engaging in naval exercises with African partners, India is not just strengthening security cooperation but also reaffirming its role as a reliable strategic player in the region. This aligns with India’s broader vision under its “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) policy, which prioritizes: A free, open, and rules-based maritime order. Defending sovereignty and territorial integrity. Promoting peace and economic cooperation.
Participating Nations: Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, Kenya, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania
Key Goals of the Joint Naval Exercises:
Enhancing Maritime Security: Strengthening patrolling and surveillance capabilities to counter piracy, arms smuggling, and drug trafficking. Sharing intelligence and operational strategies to monitor illegal maritime activities.
Boosting Naval Interoperability: Training African and Indian navies to coordinate responses during real-time crises. Improving communication systems and joint operational readiness.
Countering China’s Expanding Influence: Offering African nations a strategic alternative to China’s military and economic encroachment. Reinforcing freedom of navigation and preventing unilateral dominance in the Indian Ocean.
Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR): Strengthening coordination for disaster response and humanitarian aid operations. Enhancing rescue and relief capabilities in case of maritime disasters.
Why Are African Nations Worried?
Illegal Overfishing: China’s fleets have been accused of overfishing in African waters, threatening local economies. Spy Ships & Surveillance: Many of China’s “research vessels” are suspected of conducting espionage operations. Debt-Trap Diplomacy: Many of China’s infrastructure projects have pushed African nations.
