India and Africa unite for naval maneuvers against China
On 12th April, India and ten African countries will commence joint naval exercises. Their goal is to counter the growing Chinese influence in the region.
India and ten African nations are set to launch the first joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean on 12th April. The aim of these maneuvers is to counteract the expanding influence of China in the area. 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-organised 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 phase will take place on land in the ports of Tanzania, and the second will be at sea, where African and Indian fleets will simulate repelling pirate attacks, conducting search and rescue missions, seizing ships, firing handheld weapons, and executing 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 £240 billion, and Beijing invested billions in East African ports and infrastructure.
Analysts cited by the MilitaryAfrica portal point out that the naval maneuvers organised by India are part of India's SAGAR doctrine, which promotes regional cooperation in the face of common threats. It is a well-thought-out response to Beijing's increasing influence in the region.
