India teams up with African nations for naval exercises
On April 12, India and ten African countries will begin joint naval exercises to counter the growing Chinese influence in the region.
India and ten African countries will launch their first joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean on April 12. The aim of these maneuvers is to counteract the increasing influence of China in the region. This information was provided by Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Indian Navy, as reported by the Polish Press Agency.
The six-day maneuvers, named Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME), will be co-organized by India and Tanzania. The exercises will also include Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa.
The military exercises will be divided into two phases. The first will occur on land in the ports of Tanzania, and the second will be on the ocean, where African and Indian fleets will simulate repelling pirate attacks, conducting search and rescue missions, seizing ships, firing small arms, and conducting helicopter operations.
A response to Chinese influence
The timing of these maneuvers is no coincidence. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has strengthened its position as the largest trading partner and creditor of Africa. Last year, trade between China and Africa reached a value of USD 295 billion, and Beijing invested billions in East African ports and infrastructure.
Analysts cited by the MilitaryAfrica portal point out that the naval maneuvers organized by India are part of India's SAGAR doctrine, which promotes regional cooperation in the face of common threats. It is a carefully considered response to Beijing's growing influence in the region.
