INS Chennai arrives in Dar-es-Salaam for the inaugural edition of the large-scale multilateral exercise Africa India Key Maritime Engagement, AIKEYME.
| Photo Credit: PTI
The inaugural edition of the large-scale multilateral exercise Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) began on Sunday (April 13, 2025) at Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Coinciding with it, offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna, designated as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR and sailing with 44 naval personnel from nine friendly nations reached the port on Saturday.
“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,” the Navy said in a statement. “It also highlights the strong and friendly relations between India and the African nations.”
The six-day AIKEYME exercise from April 13 to 18 includes 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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promoting Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR),” the Navy said.
The Indian Naval Ship Chennai (destroyer) and INS Kesari [Landing Ship Tank (Large)] arrived in Dar-es-Salaam ahead of the exercise and the inauguration ceremony of AIKEYME was co-hosted onboard, along with the Tanzanian Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF). A Ceremonial Guard was also paraded onboard INS Chennai with TPDF and Indian Navy band playing in unison the national anthems of respective countries.
Harbour phase
The harbour phase for AIKEYME-25 includes an inauguration ceremony and a deck reception with Minister of State for Defence 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 operations and information sharing, alongside joint training in seamanship and Visit Board Search and Seizure exercises in collaboration with the TPDF, the Navy said. Further, to promote camaraderie, activities such as sports fixtures and yoga sessions are also planned and Indian Naval ships will be open to visitors during the harbour phase to engage with the local population.
The sea phase, scheduled from April 16-18, will focus on strengthening maritime security cooperation among participating nations.
INS Sukanya will depart from Dar-es-Salaam on April 15 for next port of call, Nacala, Mozambique to continue with the IOS SAGAR mission.
Published – April 13, 2025 08:53 pm IST