The harbour phase of Indian Navy’s maiden initiative of Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement exercise (AIKEYME) was inaugurated by Minister of Defence and National Service of Tanzania Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax and Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth onboard INS Chennai at Dar es Salaam on April 13, 2025. AIKEYME, co-hosted by India and Tanzania, involves participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa.

Raksha Rajya Mantri also joined the digital inauguration of Weapons Training Simulator facility established at Arusha and inauguration of Defence Expo. In the Defence Expo, 22 companies from India are participating with their key products on display.

In his address, Raksha Rajya Mantri emphasised on oneness, and unity of purpose to overcome the vast maritime challenges and to ensure a peaceful & prosperous future. He recalled the age-old relations between India & Africa and reiterated the principle of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across the Region) for further strengthening the bond with our friends in Africa.

Shri Sanjay Seth stressed on 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.

Minister of Defence and National Service of Tanzania thanked India for co-hosting the Exercise and she termed the Exercise a strategic initiative to build strong maritime partnership. She underscored the necessity of a collective approach to address challenges such as piracy and trafficking.

Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax reaffirmed Tanzania's commitment to hosting future editions of AIKEYME and detailed the collaborative framework for regional maritime security, emphasizing innovation and information sharing. Her remarks firmly established that the relationship extends beyond military affairs, advocating for a broader regional cooperation.

Dignitaries present included the Chief of Defence Force, Tanzania People’s Defence Force, the Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, and the High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, reinforcing the importance of bilateral defence relationships. The event 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.

Raksha Rajya Mantri also briefly interacted with the crew of participating countries of the Exercise and IOS SAGAR ship. He did a walkaround of INS Chennai. He gifted 15 sets of Parachutes, books for NDC and a Tri-Services War Gaming Simulator to Tanzania as a token of strong bonds and friendship between the two countries.

The exercise represents commitment of the participating countries to a free, open and secure Indian Ocean. A new chapter has been added today to the growing relations between India and Africa. AIKEYME 25 and IOS SAGAR symbolize a transformative journey towards enhanced multinational collaboration in securing the seas, forging connections that transcend borders.

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