What’s the News? 

The Indian Navy has launched two important initiatives — IOS Sagar and AIKEYME — to reinforce India’s position as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ and ‘First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 

About IOS Sagar (Indian Ocean Ship Sagar) 

Objective: To deepen collaboration with Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations and enhance regional naval cooperation. 

• Deployment: INS Sunayna is scheduled to operate in the Southwest IOR from April 5 to May 8, 2025. 
• Crew Details: A joint team comprising Indian Navy personnel and 44 members from nine Friendly Foreign Countries (FFC). 
• FFC Include: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. 

 About Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) 

AIKEYME, which stands for "Unity" in Sanskrit, is the first large-scale multinational maritime exercise between India and Africa. 

• Co-hosted by: The Indian Navy and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) 
• Venue: Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania 
• Participating Nations: Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa