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Pakistan hosts Aman Naval Exercises 2025: A Global Gathering for Maritime Peace and Security

11 Feb 2025 By Know Muslim


The Arabian Sea is abuzz with activity as Pakistan hosts the Aman Naval Exercises 2025, a multinational naval event drawing participation from 50+ countries. Warships from global powers like the United States, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have arrived in Pakistani waters, alongside vessels from Japan, Korea, Bangladesh and Iran, highlighting the region's strategic importance. These exercises aim to showcase global maritime cooperation, enhance security, and promote peace in one of the world’s busiest trade corridors.

 

What Are the Aman Naval Exercises?

The Aman exercises, meaning "peace" in Urdu, are a biennial series of naval drills organized by the Pakistan Navy. Since their inception in 2007, they have grown into one of the largest maritime security initiatives in the world. The event provides a platform for navies of different nations to work together, regardless of geopolitical tensions, under the unifying theme: "Together for Peace."

The exercises are divided into two phases:

  1. Harbor Phase: Includes seminars, operational discussions, and the inaugural AMAN Dialogue, where naval chiefs and policymakers discuss maritime security, climate change, and the Blue Economy.
  2. At-Sea Phase: Features live drills such as anti-piracy operations, search-and-rescue missions, and live-fire exercises to test readiness and inter-operability.

 

An Impressive Global Turnout

This year’s exercises have set a record with participation from 50+ nations, including 13 ships from 11 countries, aircraft, and Special Operations Forces. Key participants include:

  • China: Guided-missile destroyer Baotou and supply ship Gaoyouhu.
  • United States: Naval assets showcasing advanced maritime capabilities.
  • Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Iran: Contributing ships and expertise.

Notably, India has opted out of the exercises, despite being a major player in the Indian Ocean Region. This absence underscores the geopolitical divides in the region, even as Pakistan strengthens its role as a maritime bridge between East and West.

 

Why Is Pakistan Hosting These Drills?

Pakistan’s geographic location gives it a critical role in regional and global maritime activities. Situated along the Arabian Sea, Pakistan’s coastline is part of the Indian Ocean—through which flows over 50% of the world’s oil trade. With strategic coastal bases like Karachi, Ormara, and the Gwadar Port, Pakistan plays a key role in defending vital international trade routes.

The exercises serve several purposes:

  • Enhancing Maritime Security: Protecting sea lanes from piracy, terrorism, and illegal activities.
  • Building Regional Alliances: Strengthening ties through collaboration with other naval forces.
  • Showcasing Readiness: Demonstrating Pakistan’s capability to address conventional and unconventional maritime threats.

 

A Two-Phase Approach

Harbor Phase (February 7–9)

During this phase, multinational naval leaders gather for seminars, operational discussions, and the AMAN Dialogue. Key activities include:

  • Intellectual Discourse: Naval chiefs and policymakers discuss AI, climate change, and unmanned systems.
  • Cultural and Sports Activities: Food galas, cultural shows, and sports competitions foster camaraderie among participants.

The harbor phase highlights the importance of diplomacy and knowledge-sharing in addressing global security concerns.

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At-Sea Phase (February 10–11)

The action moves offshore, where participating navies engage in live drills to simulate real-world scenarios. Highlights include:

  • Anti-Piracy Drills: Naval teams work together to safeguard trade ships.
  • Search and Rescue Operations: Forces respond to simulated maritime emergencies in real-time.
  • Live-Fire Exercises: Ships practice tactical maneuvers using live ammunition.
  • Counter-Terrorism Drills: Teams focus on neutralizing maritime threats linked to terrorism.

These drills are designed to test readiness, improve coordination, and build trust between nations in an environment where every second counts.

 

The Significance of "Together for Peace"

The slogan "Together for Peace" is more than just words—it's the spirit of the exercises. Despite geopolitical tensions, nations come together to prove that cooperation is the key to tackling maritime threats. This motto reminds the world that unity and dialogue can often break barriers that politics cannot.

 

Challenges in the Arabian Sea

The Arabian Sea is no stranger to security challenges. Organized crime, piracy, and terrorism are ever-present threats. Somali pirates and other criminal groups frequently target the area, posing risks to commercial shipping. Recent incidents, such as attacks on trade vessels in the Red Sea, further highlight the vulnerabilities in these waters.

For Pakistan, maintaining the safety of maritime routes is not just a regional responsibility—it’s a global one. The exercises allow nations to collectively address these challenges, ensuring smoother trade and safer seas.

 

Economic Interests: The Blue Economy

Maritime security isn’t just about defense; it’s tied to economic growth. The concept of the Blue Economy refers to sustainable economic activities based on ocean resources, including global trade, fisheries, and tourism.

For Pakistan, securing sea routes means boosting international trade through the Gwadar Port and exploring new routes for economic growth. Protecting this economic potential is one of the driving forces behind the Aman exercises.

 

How Multinational Navies Cooperate

The strength of these exercises lies in their diversity. Navies from nations with differing political ideologies—such as the U.S. and Russia or Saudi Arabia and Iran—work shoulder-to-shoulder. This collaboration encourages the sharing of tactical insights and builds inter-operability.

Examples of teamwork include:

  • Combined Anti-Piracy Operations: Involving multiple naval fleets.
  • Coordinated Search-and-Rescue Missions: Different teams share resources.
  • Communication Drills: Testing inter-navy coordination during high-stress scenarios.

Such drills ensure that navies are prepared to act cohesively during real emergencies.

 

India’s Absence and Strategic Debate

India’s decision to not participate in these exercises raises questions. The United States touts India as the Net Security Provider of the Indian Ocean, a term implying India’s responsibility for ensuring the region’s safety. However, Pakistan challenges this narrative by asserting its own authority in the Arabian Sea and organizing an inclusive platform like AMAN.

For India, the isolation from these multinational drills might limit its influence, despite its ambitions as a regional leader. On the other hand, for Pakistan, the exercises bolster its credibility as a binding force in maritime diplomacy.

 

Modernizing Pakistan’s Naval Strength

Behind the scenes, Pakistan has been working on modernizing its navy. With assistance from China and Turkey, Pakistan is acquiring advanced warships, frigates, and offshore patrol vessels like PNS Hunain and PNS Babur. These upgrades enhance its second-strike capability, crucial for maintaining deterrence in any conflict scenario.

This modernization drive allows Pakistan to counterbalance India’s growing naval power while also enhancing its role in maritime security operations.

 

Lessons from the Aman Exercises

The Aman exercises underscore a few key points:

  • Maritime Security Requires Global Cooperation: No single nation can address maritime threats alone.
  • Diplomatic and Military Dialogues Bridge Divides: Initiatives like AMAN foster trust and collaboration.
  • Protecting Trade Routes Ensures Economic Stability: Securing the seas is vital for global prosperity.

For Pakistan, the event shines a spotlight on its strategic importance in the Indian Ocean. For other nations, it emphasizes the value of shared responsibility in securing the seas.

 

Final Thoughts

The Aman Naval Exercises 2025 demonstrate that when nations work together, they can tackle even the toughest security challenges. As the Arabian Sea gains prominence in global trade, ensuring its safety is essential for economic prosperity and peace.

While geopolitical competition persists, initiatives like AMAN remind us of the power of collaboration. With navies from around the world gathering under the banner of "Together for Peace," this event reinforces the message that security and cooperation go hand in hand.

About Know Muslim

Information regarding Muslim World and Pakistan.

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