India has launched its biggest-ever joint naval exercises with African nations, signalling a bold step in its bid to counter China’s growing military and commercial clout.
The six-day exercise, hosted by Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, involves naval forces from nine African nations including Kenya, South Africa and Madagascar.
Led by Indian patrol vessel INS Sunayna and destroyer INS Chennai, the drills include both harbour and sea phases and are set to become a regular fixture.
Indian officials say the move aims to position New Delhi as a key regional security provider and the “preferred partner” in maritime cooperation.
The Indian Navy has already played a growing role in counter-piracy operations and last year conducted a commando-style rescue of a hijacked cargo ship in the Arabian Sea.
The exercise comes as India grows increasingly uneasy about China’s expanding footprint, including a military base in Djibouti and deepening ties with Sri Lanka, the Maldives and a post-revolution Bangladesh. Analysts say the manoeuvres are part of a broader effort to assert leadership in the Global South and rebalance influence in Africa.
However, experts also warn of the gap between India’s ambitions and its current capabilities. While India-Africa trade topped $83 billion in 2023-24, it remains far behind China’s volumes.
Still, the message is clear: India is no longer content to watch from the sidelines. As powers jostle for influence across Africa and the Indian Ocean, New Delhi is stepping forward – offering a different brand of partnership based on regional collaboration rather than domination.
Africa, it seems, is fast becoming the frontline in a new global power contest. And India just raised its flag.
