India leads joint naval drills with Africa to challenge China
On April 12, India and ten African countries will begin joint naval exercises. Their goal is to counter China's growing influence in the region.
India and ten African countries will initiate the first joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean on April 12. These maneuvers aim to counter China's growing influence in the region. Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Indian Navy, shared this information, as reported by the Polish Press Agency.
India and Tanzania will co-organize the six-day maneuvers, called the Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME). 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 take place on land in Tanzanian ports, and the second on the ocean, where African and Indian fleets will simulate repelling pirate attacks, conducting search and rescue missions, seizing ships, firing firearms, and operating helicopters.
Response to Chinese influence
The timing of these maneuvers is not coincidental. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has strengthened its position as Africa's largest trade partner and creditor. Last year, trade between China and Africa reached a value of $295 billion, and Beijing invested billions in the ports and infrastructure of East Africa.
Analysts cited by the MilitaryAfrica portal indicate that the naval maneuvers organized by India align with India's SAGAR doctrine, promoting regional cooperation in the face of common threats. This is a thoughtful response to Beijing's growing influence in the region.
