These exercises illustrate Indian Navy’s vision for building regional security through international collaboration.
In an impressive demonstration of naval strength and global collaboration, the Indian Navy has launched two major exercises: the first Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) and the fourth iteration of Exercise Tiger Triumph. These undertakings express India’s resolve regarding the upkeep of the regional order, the management of humanitarian catastrophes, and the cultivation of international amity.
AIKEYME 2025: UNITY IN ACTION
The AIKEYME exercise unites the naval forces of Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, and their partners India and Tanzania. From 13th to 18th April 2025, this exercise was conducted in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). This six-day exercise is also part of the ToT program with South Africa in Navy exercises.
The docking of Indian Naval Ships INS Chennai and INS Kesari in Dar-es-Salaam set the stage for the grand inauguration, which was co-hosted with the Tanzanian People’s Defence Force (TPDF). The naval forces of India and TPDF gave a combined display of their military majesty, alongside the impressive playing of the national anthems, improving a mutual commitment to understanding.
The harbour segment of AIKEYME showcased an array of activities aimed at promoting a higher level of cooperation and understanding among AIKEYME participants.
These included anti-piracy activities, information sharing and exchange, coordinated seamanship, and a Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercise, among other things. Sports games and yoga practices were also included, in addition to lectures and visits between ships and bases. These facilitate unity, cohesiveness, and respect among all participants.
From April 16 to April 18, the naval section was dedicated to improving interstate maritime security cooperation. This enhances India’s view of cooperative maritime security and goodwill because the Indian Navy’s Sunayna, which sailed from Karwar as part of the Indian Ocean Ship IOS’s SAGAR mission, is now there.
TIGER TRIUMPH 2025
At the same time, the Indian Navy, in association with the United States, hosted the fourth iteration of Exercise Tiger Triumph. This bilateral tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise culminated in a Distinguished Visitors’ (DV) Day at Kakinada on 11 April 2025. The event showcased the seamless execution of complex tasks and the enhanced combined interoperability and integration of the Indian and United States armed forces.
The exercise included standoff and hard beaching operations, slithering by the Special Operations Forces, and integrated air operations. All these offered valuable training in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercises. Establishing the Combined Coordination Centre (CCC) and Joint Relief and Medical Camp is a demonstration of commitment toward regional stability and cooperative disaster response.
During the harbour phase at Visakhapatnam, cross-discipline expert discussions on major technologies, cross-deck calls, and friendly sports tournaments enhanced mutual understanding and operational synergy.
The sea phase off the coast of Kakinada further showcased the capabilities and coordination between the two countries’ armed forces.
UNIFIED VISION FOR MARITIME SECURITY
Both Tiger Triumph and AIKEYME illustrate Indian Navy’s vision for building regional security through international collaboration. These exercises promote operational effectiveness and interoperability, as well as friendships and respectful relationships among nations.
Exercises like AIKEYME 2025 and IOS SAGAR are steps towards breaking boundaries and advancing marine security. Indian Navy’s willingness to work in coalition for maritime security, together with innovativeness and information sharing, puts the region’s commerce and navigation security on the spotlight for future collaborations. His Indian navy stimulates innovative collaborative approaches towards maritime security and information sharing which sets a regional benchmark on the safe and freely navigable commercial routes of the region.
“” (Ekta mein shakti hai). “There is strength in unity.”
These words beautifully capture the essence of the Indian Navy’s initiatives, which forge enduring partnerships and harness collective strength to navigate challenges with determination.
* Manan Bhatt is a naval veteran, military author & strategic affairs columnist.