New Delhi : The inaugural edition of the large-scale multilateral exercise Africa India Key Maritime Engagement, AIKEYME, which means ‘Unity’ in Sanskrit, is planned for six days from 13 to 18 Apr 25 . This exercise will have participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa, alongside the co-hosts India and Tanzania.
This initiative aligns with the vision of the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, promoting Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR).
The Indian Naval Ships INS Chennai (destroyer) and INS Kesari [Landing Ship Tank (Large)] arrived in Dar-es-Salaam on 10th and 11th Apr 25 respectively, and the inauguration ceremony of AIKEYME will be co-hosted onboard, along with the Tanzanian Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF). The ships were welcomed by DA Tanzania and Liaison team. A Ceremonial Guard was also paraded onboard INS Chennai with TPDF and Indian Navy band playing in unison the National Anthems of respective countries.
The harbour phase for AIKEYME 25 will include an inauguration ceremony and a deck reception with the Honorable Minister of State for Defence, Shri Sanjay Seth and Defence Minister, Tanzania as Chief Guests
Planned activities during this phase include Table Top and Command Post Exercises focused on anti-piracy ops and information sharing, alongside joint training in seamanship and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises in collaboration with the TPDF. To promote camaraderie, activities such as sports fixtures and yoga sessions will also take place. Additionally, the Indian Naval ships will be open to visitors during the harbour phase to engage with the local population.
The sea phase, scheduled from 16 to 18 Apr 25, will focus on strengthening maritime security cooperation among the participating maritime nations.
AIKEYME aims to develop collaborative solutions to common regional maritime challenges. This maiden initiative by the Indian Navy seeks to enhance interoperability and synergise combined operations among the maritime forces of partner nations. It also highlights the strong and friendly relations between India and the African nations.
INS Sunayna which sailed out from Karwar on 05 Apr 25, as Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR, will also be participating in AIKEYME.