Dodoma: In a historic step to expand its maritime influence in Africa, India has kicked off its largest-ever joint naval exercise with African nations, signaling a strategic push to strengthen its presence in the Indian Ocean and counter China’s growing clout in the region.
The six-day exercise, co-hosted by Tanzania, has brought together naval forces from over eight African nations, including Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, and South Africa. Indian Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, along with senior government and military officials, inaugurated the drill — hailed as a milestone in India-Africa defense cooperation.
A Strategic Signal to China
The initiative comes amid China’s expanding footprint in Africa, both economically through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and militarily, with its first overseas naval base already operational in Djibouti. Experts say this move by New Delhi is intended to send a clear message — Africa is not China’s exclusive playground.
“India’s growing engagement in the Indian Ocean and African maritime domain is crucial for regional security,” said former Naval Intelligence Chief and current assistant professor at the Indian Naval War College in Goa, Sudarshan Shrikhande. “Qualitatively, this is a significant leap and part of India’s larger diplomatic and economic outreach to Africa, where China remains the dominant player.”
Exercise Structure and Strategic Goals
According to reports by the Financial Times, the naval exercise is structured in two phases: a “harbor phase” involving planning and training, followed by a “sea phase” focused on operational drills. This biennial exercise highlights India’s ambition to play a more assertive role in maritime security, anti-piracy operations, and capacity building in the African continent.
This effort also reflects India’s broader multi-alignment strategy, which includes its role in the Quad alliance (India, the United States, Japan, and Australia) — a strategic grouping aimed at securing the Indo-Pacific. India’s collaboration with African nations could now become a parallel strategy to contain China’s growing influence in Africa.
Strengthening Ties Beyond Maritime Security
Earlier in February, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had held high-level talks with several African counterparts, laying the groundwork for deeper military cooperation. Last week, he flagged off the Indian Navy’s offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna, which has been deployed in the southwestern Indian Ocean alongside destroyer INS Chennai and other Indian naval assets. The vessels are operating with a combined crew comprising personnel from participating African nations.
Beyond defense, the drill underscores India’s intent to enhance trust and collaboration with African partners across sectors, including trade, education, and development. The naval exercise also offers African nations a viable alternative to China’s military and infrastructural overtures.
Looking Ahead
Analysts believe India’s current outreach could mark the beginning of a new chapter in India-Africa strategic relations, one where New Delhi actively contributes to the region’s security architecture. With China, Russia, Turkey, and the UAE also competing for influence in Africa, India’s naval diplomacy could prove to be a vital tool in shaping a multipolar and balanced regional order.
This landmark drill not only boosts India’s regional maritime footprint but also lays the foundation for long-term partnerships that may redefine the security dynamics of the Indian Ocean region.
