Context and Background
- Geopolitical Significance: India’s growing strategic engagement with Africa amid China’s rising influence in the region.
- Maritime Security Concerns: Renewed threats of piracy, Houthi rebel attacks on shipping lanes, and vulnerabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Strengthening Partnerships: India’s focus on consolidating ties with African littoral states for enhanced maritime security.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Key Initiatives & Their Objectives
A. AIKEYME (Africa India Key Maritime Engagement) Exercise
- Aims to enhance:
- Joint naval training with 10 African nations.
- Maritime security cooperation and coordinated operations.
- Strengthening India’s role as a maritime security provider in IOR.
- Co-hosted by: Indian Navy & Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF).
- Location: Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
B. IOS Sagar (Indian Ocean Ship Initiative)
- INS Sunayna Deployment (April 5 – May 8, 2025):
- Participating Nations: 9 African countries (Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, South Africa).
- Activities:
- Joint surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
- Port Calls: Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, and Male.
- Training capsule for foreign naval personnel at Kochi.
C. MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions)
- Announced by PM Modi in Mauritius, reinforcing India’s commitment to maritime security cooperation in the IOR.
Impact and Implications
- Enhanced Maritime Security: Strengthening regional cooperation against piracy, smuggling, and maritime terrorism.
- Strategic Counter to China: India bolsters its naval influence in Africa, challenging China’s String of Pearls strategy.
- Capacity Building for African Nations: Training and joint operations enhance local maritime security capabilities.
- Boosting India’s Soft Power: Strengthens diplomatic and defense ties, reinforcing India as the “Preferred Security Partner” in the IOR.
- Economic & Trade Benefits: Securing key shipping routes ensures unhindered global trade through the Indian Ocean.
Causes and Factors
- China’s Expanding Naval Footprint:
- China’s base in Djibouti and increasing military presence in Africa’s eastern coast.
- Infrastructure projects under Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) influencing local politics.
- Piracy & Maritime Crimes:
- Somali piracy resurgence poses threats to merchant vessels and oil tankers.
- Drug trafficking & illegal fishing impacting regional economies.
- Houthi Rebel Threats:
- Attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea raise global concerns.
- India’s Prior Engagements:
- Longstanding naval exercises & defense collaborations with IOR nations.
- Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts post-natural disasters
