Indian Navy Strengthens Maritime Ties with IOS SAGAR & AIKEYME Initiatives
AIKEYME, a first-of-its-kind Africa-India maritime security exercise, to be co-hosted by India and Tanzania
BNH NETWORK
Strategic Ties in the Indian Ocean: India’s New Naval Diplomacy Takes Shape
In a landmark move to reinforce maritime security and cooperation, the Indian Navy has unveiled two maiden initiatives—Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR (IOS SAGAR) and Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME)—as part of its commitment to Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). These initiatives align with India's strategic vision and the recently announced Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions (MAHASAGAR) policy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR: Strengthening Ties in the IOR
The IOS SAGAR initiative underscores the Indian Navy’s continued engagement with the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations. The deployment of INS Sunayna with a multinational crew comprising personnel from nine Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs)—Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa—highlights India’s growing maritime cooperation.
Fact File: Indian Navy's IOS SAGAR & AIKEYME 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative 1 | Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR (IOS SAGAR) |
| Initiative 2 | Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) |
| Deployment Ship | INS Sunayna |
| Duration | April 2025 (Over One Month) |
| Key Port Calls | Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, Male |
| Participating Nations | 9 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) |
| Exercise Co-Host | Indian Navy & Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Force |
| Key Maritime Engagements | EEZ Surveillance, Joint Exercises, Security Drills |
Deployment Duration: Over a month in April 2025
Planned Port Calls: Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, and Male
Key Objectives: Joint surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Seychelles
Training Program: FFC personnel to undergo two weeks of advanced naval training in Kochi, including sea-based drills
AIKEYME: India-Africa Maritime Security Exercise
The Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME), derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘Unity,’ represents India’s growing strategic collaboration with African nations. Co-hosted by the Indian Navy and Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF), AIKEYME aims to counter maritime threats such as piracy, illegal trafficking, and unregulated fishing.
Inauguration: By Hon’ble Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in mid-April 2025
Location: Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
Participating Nations: Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, India, and Tanzania
Exercise Phases:
Harbour Phase: Tabletop & Command Post exercises on piracy, information sharing, and seamanship training
Sea Phase: Search & Rescue operations, Visit Board Search & Seizure (VBSS), small arms firing, and helicopter drills
Key Highlights of IOS SAGAR & AIKEYME
- India strengthens its role as a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the IOR.
- First multinational deployment of an Indian Navy vessel with foreign crew members.
- AIKEYME marks the largest-ever maritime engagement between India and Africa.
- Strategic port visits and exercises to enhance regional maritime security.
- Collaboration in tackling piracy, illegal activities, and unregulated fishing.
- Fact File: Indian Navy's IOS SAGAR & AIKEYME 2025
India’s Maritime Future: A Stronger, Safer Indian Ocean
As the Indian Navy spearheads these pioneering initiatives, the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region stand to benefit from greater security cooperation and enhanced interoperability. With IOS SAGAR and AIKEYME, India is not just reinforcing its commitment to maritime safety but also cementing its leadership as a key player in global naval strategy.
