India, 9 African nations kick-start mega naval exercise

advertisement

New Delhi, Apr 13: India and nine African nations on Sunday kick-started a six-day mega naval exercise off Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania, signalling their long-term vision to work unitedly to confront common challenges in the maritime domain.

advertisement

The India-initiated exercise is taking place under the broad framework of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new vision called MAHASAGAR or ‘Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions’ for engagement with the Global South.

The co-hosts of the maiden ‘AIKEYME’ or Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement exercise are the Indian Navy and the Tanzania Peoples Defence Force, officials said.

Navy Chief Dinesh K Tripathi, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and Tanzanian Defence Minister Stergomena Lawrence Tax were among those who attended the inauguration ceremony of the exercise.

India and Africa have been cooperating in tackling maritime security threats such as piracy, illegal activities including trafficking, and unregulated and unreported fishing, through sharing of information and surveillance.

However, the ‘AIKEYME’ exercise is likely to significantly expand the ongoing cooperation, the officials said.

The inauguration ceremony was punctuated by a parade of a 50-man guard and the stirring performance of the Indian Navy Band, embodying the spirit of maritime cooperation, according to an Indian Navy readout.

In his remarks, Seth emphasised the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”, highlighting the need for enduring partnerships in maritime security.

He expressed gratitude to Tanzania for hosting AIKEYME 25, marking a significant step towards long-term collaboration, the Indian Navy said in the readout.

In his remarks, Lawrence Tax underscored the need for a collective approach to address challenges such as piracy and trafficking.

She reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to hosting future editions of AIKEYME and detailed the collaborative framework for regional maritime security.

Her remarks firmly established that the relationship extends beyond military affairs, advocating for a broader regional cooperation, the Indian Navy said.

Modi announced the vision MAHASAGAR for India’s engagement with the Global South during his visit to Mauritius last month.

The exercise is being joined by Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa in addition to the co-hosts, the officials said. (PTI)

advertisement

Hot this week

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Israeli strike on Gaza kills 14

Deir al-Balah (Gaza Strip), Jun 2: An Israeli strike...

‘Water and blood cannot flow together’, says all-party Indian delegation in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Jun 2: An all-party parliamentary delegation visiting...

Gujarat bypolls: Cong announces candidates for Kadi and Visavadar seats

Ahmedabad, Jun 2: The opposition Congress has announced Ramesh...

RCB and Virat Kohli’s 18-year wait meets Punjab Kings’ tenacity as IPL set to crown new winner

Ahmedabad, Jun 2: Virat Kohli's nearly two-decade long agonising...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img