The Pakistan Navy is gearing up to host the ninth iteration of the AMAN multinational maritime exercises this February, with participation anticipated from over 60 nations. This flagship event aims to foster an inclusive maritime community to address non-traditional security threats such as terrorism and organized crime, which remain significant concerns, as highlighted by the latest International Maritime Organization (IMO) report.
A Platform for Global Cooperation
AMAN exercises are more than just a demonstration of unity against maritime threats. They aim to bridge divides in an era of global polarization amid increasing great-power competition. Notably, the AMAN 2021 edition brought together naval forces from the United States, China, and Russia. Since 2007, China and the US have been regular participants, alongside other members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue like Australia and Japan. India, however, remains an exception.
Beyond maritime drills, AMAN features a range of onshore activities spanning security policy, blue economy initiatives, and cultural exchanges, making it a hub for comprehensive international collaboration.
The Importance of Maritime Security
As seas serve as a shared heritage connecting nations, the rising instability in the Middle East and Africa over recent decades has underscored the critical need for maritime cooperation. The formation of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), led by the US, reflects these efforts to secure vital sea lanes from the Suez Canal to the Persian Gulf.
Pakistan has been a key player in the CMF, leading Combined Task Forces (CTF) 150 and 151 more frequently than any other member of the 46-country coalition. Additionally, the Pakistan Navy independently conducts Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP), ensuring year-round security in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf regions.
Evolving the AMAN Initiative
The Pakistan Navy has long used AMAN exercises as a platform for strategic communication and international dialogue. Traditionally, this has included the “harbor phase,” featuring activities like the International Maritime Conference (IMC). However, the IMC has faced challenges in securing top-level participation.
To address this, the Pakistan Navy has announced a revamped approach with the AMAN Dialogue, a three-day event replacing the IMC. This dialogue will include a summit of naval and coast guard chiefs, an academic seminar, bilateral meetings, and participation in the fleet review of the “sea phase.” These enhancements aim to elevate discussions from theoretical frameworks to practical cooperation, particularly in areas like blue economy initiatives and traditional security.
A Vision for Peaceful Seas
At a time when geopolitical rivalries threaten to turn oceans into zones of conflict, AMAN serves as a vital platform for restoring seas as zones of peace. It allows Pakistan to showcase its maritime vision and potential while fostering meaningful partnerships. These efforts should not only highlight Pakistan’s achievements but also pave the way for practical collaborations, particularly in the blue economy and cultural exchanges, offering long-term benefits.
