The upcoming AMAN-25 multinational naval exercise, set to take place in Karachi from February 7 to 11, 2025, is drawing considerable attention due to the expected participation of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy). This exercise, hosted by the Pakistan Navy, marks the ninth iteration since its initiation in 2007, and it promises to showcase strategic alliances, with over 50 countries expected to join.
China’s participation further emphasizes its expanding influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), particularly as part of its broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The strengthening of Sino-Pakistani military ties, through projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the development of Gwadar port, adds a new layer of concern for India, which sees this growing partnership as a challenge to regional maritime security.
India’s concerns stem from China’s increased presence in the IOR, which is perceived as part of a larger strategy, often referred to as the “string of pearls,” aimed at encircling India. The joint naval drills in AMAN-25 are likely to enhance the coordination between the PLA Navy and Pakistan Navy, posing potential challenges to India’s dominance in regional waters.
The exercise presents an opportunity for Pakistan to display its alignment with China, reinforcing the growing military and economic collaboration between the two nations. It could also serve as a platform for showcasing advanced Chinese military capabilities, such as new frigates and submarines, which India closely monitors to safeguard its maritime interests.
To counterbalance these growing maritime developments, India has ramped up efforts to modernize its navy, accelerating the acquisition of advanced platforms, including nuclear submarines. India is also enhancing its regional presence through strategic partnerships, such as the Quad alliance (India, US, Japan, and Australia), and by participating in bilateral and multilateral naval exercises like Malabar and Milan, which focus on interoperability and promoting stability in the region.
Additionally, India is expanding its maritime domain awareness capabilities, employing advanced satellite and drone surveillance to track and monitor Chinese activities in the region, ensuring its preparedness against potential maritime threats.
The AMAN-25 exercise underscores the evolving security dynamics in the IOR, with India closely monitoring the growing collaboration between Pakistan and China as it prepares to bolster its naval capabilities in response.