The AMAN-25 multinational naval exercise, organized by the Pakistan Navy, is set to take place in Karachi from February 7 to 11, 2025. The event has drawn considerable attention, particularly with the anticipated active participation of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) from China.
This development carries strategic significance for India, given the growing Sino-Pak military cooperation and its potential ramifications for maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
As the ninth edition of the AMAN exercise since its inception in 2007, AMAN-25 is expected to feature participation from over 50 countries. This highlights Pakistan's efforts to demonstrate its strategic alliances and promote multilateral collaboration.
Over 50 countries are expected to participate in AMAN-25. (Photo: India Today)
China's Expanding Role in AMAN
The PLA Navy's anticipated participation highlights China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean, aligned with its broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
As strategic allies, Pakistan and China maintain strong military and economic connections, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the development of Gwadar port.
China's engagement in AMAN-25 may be seen as an attempt to assert its power in the region and strengthen its maritime influence, which has direct implications for India's security considerations.
India's Key Issues
India is maintaining heightened vigilance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to safeguard maritime security and counter potential encirclement. China's expanding role in Pakistan's maritime initiatives, along with its base in Djibouti and investments in Sri Lanka, has raised concerns about a "string of pearls" strategy aimed at encircling India in the IOR.
The AMAN-25 joint drills could improve interoperability between the PLA Navy and the Pakistan Navy, challenging India's maritime dominance.
AMAN-25 highlights Pakistan's growing alignment with China, emphasizing their strategic partnership to counter India's influence in the region. This nexus is particularly significant as both nations confront India over issues in Kashmir and along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The PLA Navy's involvement is expected to showcase its advanced capabilities, including modern frigates and submarines. For India, this reinforces the urgency of accelerating its naval modernization efforts and strengthening its position in the IOR through strategic alliances such as the Quad (India, the US, Japan, and Australia).
To address the implications of exercises like AMAN-25, India is enhancing its naval strength with advanced blue-water assets and expanding its collaborations in the IOR. Bilateral and multilateral naval exercises such as Malabar and Milan are being intensified, focusing on interoperability and regional stability.
In response to China's growing presence, India has fast-tracked the induction of advanced platforms, including nuclear submarines, to bolster its preparedness for potential maritime threats. Additionally, India is strengthening its maritime domain awareness with sophisticated satellite and drone systems to monitor Chinese activities in the Arabian Sea and beyond.
Comments