In the heart of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, a maritime exercise was inaugurated, symbolising a profound truth encapsulated in an ancient African proverb: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.’ This proverb, quoted by India’s Raksha Rajya Mantri (RRM) Sanjay Seth during the Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement exercise (AIKEYME) 2025, serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration in overcoming global challenges.
AIKEYME 25, meaning ‘Unity’ in Sanskrit, will be conducted over 6 days and include a harbor phase with joint training and exercises focused on piracy and information sharing, followed by a sea phase to enhance maritime security cooperation.
Co-hosted by India and Tanzania, it brought together naval forces from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, and India. The exercise aimed to enhance operational coordination, refine joint strategies, and improve interoperability in maritime operations.
With the world’s oceans being vital for trade, transportation, and natural resources, a crucial part of global stability and economic stability is maritime security. In an era where maritime threats are increasingly complex, the need for collaborative action can not be overstated.
Piracy, for instance, has been a persistent issue in regions like the Gulf of Aden and the waters off the Horn of Africa. Similarly, human trafficking and illegal fishing activities exploit vulnerable populations and deplete marine resources.
During the inauguration, RRM Seth emphasised on the need for oneness and unity for enduring partnerships in maritime security. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, Tanzania’s minister of defence and national service, who reaffirmed her country’s commitment to hosting future editions of AIKEYME and to broader regional cooperation. She also highlighted how the future of maritime security lies in the integration of technology and intelligence.