The Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF), in collaboration with the Indian Navy, is set to launch the first-ever edition of a major international maritime exercise with African nations, known as AIKEYME (Africa India Key Maritime Engagement).
This exercise is part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation between naval forces and maritime organizations across the region.
Over the past decade, the Indian Navy has bolstered its partnerships with maritime organizations in the Indian Ocean Region.
Through various initiatives, including joint naval exercises, coordinated patrols, capacity building, and diplomatic activities, the Indian Navy has enhanced its collaboration with countries in the region.
The AIKEYME exercise underscores the shared commitment of Africa and India to maritime security. It highlights their determination to work together in addressing critical maritime threats such as piracy, illegal activities including trafficking, unregulated and unreported fishing, and other security challenges at sea.
Scheduled to take place off the coast of Dar es Salaam, the exercise will be officially launched in mid-April 2025 by India’s Defense Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh.
Spanning six days, the exercise will involve participants from Kenya, Comoros, Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, and co-organizing partners.
The exercise will feature a series of practical scenarios, including piracy drills, naval operations, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises, as well as maritime search and rescue operations.
Additionally, there will be small arms firing training and helicopter operations as part of the comprehensive program.
