Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, participated in the inaugural ceremony and cultural programme of the first-ever AIKEYME (Africa India Key Maritime Engagement) exercise in Tanzania, marking a significant milestone in maritime cooperation between India and African nations.
AIKEYME, a multilateral naval exercise aimed at bolstering maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, brings together 10 participating countries: India, Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, and the host nation, Tanzania.
During his visit, MoS Seth engaged with members of the Indian diaspora, many of whom have resided in Tanzania for decades. Notable attendees included Sameer Gupta, Managing Director of Kamal Group, who expressed pride in the growing Indo-Tanzanian ties. “It was a great opportunity to be part of this major event and meet the Minister of State for Defence,” Gupta told ANI.
Professor Kaushik Ramaiah, a senior physician born and raised in Tanzania, also voiced appreciation for India’s presence. “It makes us proud to see what India is doing here. Meeting the Minister and the High Commissioner was an honour,” he said.
Highlighting the exercise’s importance, MoS Seth stated, “This is the first time such a naval exercise is being held in an African nation. It includes three Indian ships and four Tanzanian vessels, along with a Defence Expo.” He added that India contributed equipment worth ₹80 lakh, including parachutes, simulators, and books to the Tanzanian Defence Department.
The six-day AIKEYME exercise, held from April 13 to 18, is divided into three days of harbour-based engagements in Dar es Salaam and three days of operations at sea. The initiative supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—emphasizing regional collaboration and shared progress.
