India is significantly expanding its naval and economic ties with African nations through two groundbreaking maritime initiatives: the Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) naval exercise and the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar mission. These strategic actions reflect New Delhi’s intention to bolster its influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), positioning itself as a credible partner offering African nations a viable alternative to China’s expanding maritime footprint.
Strengthening Economic and Strategic Ties
India-Africa trade has surged, reaching $83 billion in 2023-24, emphasising the importance of maritime security. Nearly 80% of India’s global trade and more than 90% of its energy imports transit through the Indian Ocean. The ten countries participating in AIKEYME—Tanzania, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa—are strategically essential to these trade dynamics.
To deepen economic relationships further, India has provided approximately $8 billion in Lines of Credit (LoCs) to 44 African nations. This support has facilitated significant maritime infrastructure improvements, including port modernisation, installation of coastal surveillance radar networks, and trade facilitation projects.
To deepen economic relationships further, India has provided approximately $8 billion in Lines of Credit (LoCs) to 44 African nations. This support has facilitated significant maritime infrastructure improvements, including port modernisation, installation of coastal surveillance radar networks, and trade facilitation projects.
Naval Exercises: AIKEYME and IOS Sagar Initiatives
Scheduled for April 2025, AIKEYME seeks to enhance interoperability among African and Indian naval forces, featuring robust anti-piracy exercises, search-and-rescue operations, and helicopter drills. Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, India’s Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, has highlighted the importance of AIKEYME as a cornerstone of enhanced regional security and naval collaboration.
Simultaneously, the IOS Sagar mission, spearheaded by INS Sunayna—a Saryu-class patrol vessel—will perform joint surveillance and maritime training in participating African countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Notably, INS Sunayna’s multinational crew includes naval personnel from nine African nations, symbolising India’s tangible commitment to mutual security and maritime cooperation.
Navigating China’s Maritime Expansion
India’s intensified maritime cooperation with Africa occurs against the backdrop of China’s aggressive and hegemonic naval and economic expansion under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Chinese investment in maritime infrastructure across the continent, particularly in Djibouti and Kenya, has sparked concerns about debt sustainability and national sovereignty.
The presence of China’s naval base in Djibouti—the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) first overseas military installation—has significantly enhanced Beijing’s operational reach, exacerbating regional geopolitical tensions and highlighting India’s strategic imperative to strengthen its maritime ties with Africa.
The presence of China’s naval base in Djibouti—the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) first overseas military installation—has significantly enhanced Beijing’s operational reach, exacerbating regional geopolitical tensions and highlighting India’s strategic imperative to strengthen its maritime ties with Africa.
African Perspectives: Seeking Balance and Sustainable Partnership
African nations have generally responded positively to India’s maritime outreach, emphasising sustainable partnerships, local employment opportunities, and capacity-building. India’s collaborative approach contrasts with China’s criticised model, which is known for high debt burdens, environmental impacts, and minimal local benefits.
Leading think tanks such as the Observer Research Foundation and the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Strategic Analysis (MP-IDSA) have commended India’s inclusive and collaborative strategy, highlighting it as strategically advantageous for Africa and positioning New Delhi as a trusted partner dedicated to regional stability and mutual growth.
Leading think tanks such as the Observer Research Foundation and the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Strategic Analysis (MP-IDSA) have commended India’s inclusive and collaborative strategy, highlighting it as strategically advantageous for Africa and positioning New Delhi as a trusted partner dedicated to regional stability and mutual growth.
Addressing Shared Maritime Security Challenges
Piracy, illegal fishing, and inadequate maritime governance continue to pose significant threats in the Indian Ocean. India’s naval exercises and collaborative training through AIKEYME and IOS Sagar aim to enhance regional capabilities to address these challenges effectively.
In particular, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, often linked to China’s extensive distant water fleets, pose severe environmental and economic threats. India’s joint surveillance efforts with African navies aim to provide coordinated responses and improved maritime governance.
Strategic Maritime Infrastructure
India’s investments in coastal radar systems and port enhancements have significantly improved maritime domain awareness (MDA) across Africa. These developments align with India’s broader maritime doctrines, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). Both frameworks emphasise cooperative security, sustainable development, and economic integration, starkly contrasting China’s assertive and economically aggressive approach.
Future Prospects and Geopolitical Impact
As India and China intensify their geopolitical competition, India’s cooperative maritime diplomacy increasingly appeals to African nations wary of China’s assertiveness. Implementing AIKEYME and IOS Sagar successfully could broaden regional cooperation, potentially including West African countries in future collaborations.
Geopolitical observers expect India’s maritime diplomacy will continue to significantly influence regional security frameworks, strengthen economic relationships, and provide African nations with strategic alternatives to China’s growing influence.
