The inaugural edition of the large-scale multilateral exercise Africa India Key Maritime Engagement, AIKEYME, which means ‘Unity’ in Sanskrit, is planned for six days from 13 to 18 Apr 25 and will include participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa, alongside the co-hosts India and Tanzania.

This initiative aligns with the vision of the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, promoting Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR).

The Indian Naval Ships INS Chennai (destroyer) and INS Kesari [Landing Ship Tank (Large)] arrived in Dar-es-Salaam on 10th and 11th Apr 25 respectively, and the inauguration ceremony of AIKEYME will be co- hosted onboard, along with the Tanzanian Peoples' Defence Force (TPDF). The ships were welcomed by DA Tanzania and Liaison team. A Ceremonial Guard was also paraded onboard INS Chennai with TPDF and Indian Navy band playing in unison the National Anthems of respective countries.

The harbour phase for AIKEYME 25 will include an inauguration ceremony and a deck reception with the Honorable Minister of State for Defence, Shri Sanjay Seth and Defence Minister, Tanzania as Chief Guests