By Ms Hamna Ghias Sheikh
In an era marked by escalating maritime challenges and shifting geopolitical dynamics, the Indian Ocean stands at the crossroads of global trade and security. This vital waterway, which carries approximately 80% of the world’s maritime oil trade, has become a focal point for increasing maritime threats, ranging from piracy and terrorism to illegal fishing and the protection of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) Given the vast expanse of seas, addressing these threats requires more than just national level efforts: it demands a multilateral, cooperative approach. In this regard, Exercise AMAN, hosted biennially by the Pakistan Navy since 2007, has emerged as a shining example of how collective security and peaceful diplomacy can come together to ensure a safer, more stable maritime environment.
The word “AMAN” means “peace”, and this is the essence that underpins the exercise. With ever evolving geopolitical dynamics of the world, AMAN offers a platform for all the navies to work together regardless of their political differences in order to enhance interoperability and strengthen trust. This exercise is a way to foster a spirit of cooperation that transcends the tensions that often divide nations, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. It will not be wrong to say that the Indian Ocean is increasingly plagued by a host of security challenges that know no borders. Piracy off the Horn of Africa, maritime terrorism, and the threat of illicit trafficking are just some of the dangers that make these waters more treacherous.
More importantly, the protection of vital shipping lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb has become critical for sustained global maritime security. These waterways are lifelines for the global economy, and any disruption could send shockwaves across international trade. To address these challenges, unilateral actions are always considered insufficient. The world and the region need collective response to tackle any type of challenge. Exercise AMAN exemplifies this very approach. The exercise brings together naval forces from across the globe, including countries with diverse geopolitical interests, to share expertise, enhance operational capabilities, and improve coordination in addressing maritime threats. From sea-based maneuvers to onshore seminars and cultural exchanges, the event fosters both military cooperation and diplomatic dialogue, all while reinforcing the importance of multilateralism.
The AMAN series of exercises offers participating navies a useful forum to improve understanding, share vital information, and pinpoint shared interests in the field of maritime security and peace. In order to confront the changing security threats in the maritime domain, the exercise helps governments to collaborate and communicate more effectively, share expertise, and fortify partnerships. Pakistan’s role in spearheading Exercise AMAN is particularly noteworthy. Despite facing significant economic challenges, Pakistan has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to regional stability.
The conduct of multilateral exercise is divided in different phases featuring harbor, sea and Special Operations phases. Beginning with conferences, lectures and scholarly delibrations to discuss contours of maritime security and challenges present in the sea, the subsequent phases during the exercise feature many programs and modules including tactical meneuveres, gun-fire and anti-piracy exercises. During the Special Operations phase, Special Forces and Marine teams receive special training regarding conter-terrorism tactics.
By hosting AMAN, Pakistan not only showcases its naval capabilities but also projects soft power, fostering goodwill and strengthening diplomatic ties with countries around the world Scheduled for February 2025, AMAN-25 will expand its scope with the introduction of the “AMAN Dialogue,” a new platform designed to foster collaboration on pressing maritime issues. This forum will bring together naval chiefs, coast guard leaders, security organizations, maritime experts, academics, think tanks, media representatives, and maritime professionals from over 60 countries. Through the means of discussions debates, and the exchange of ideas, the AMAN Dialogue will facilitate a global conversation on enhancing maritime security.
The Pakistan Navy’s dedication to advancing peace and stability and bolstering international cooperation is demonstrated by the inclusion of the AMAN Dialogue in AMAN-25. This program highlights Pakistan’s pivotal role in influencing maritime dynamics and demonstrates its proactive approach to regional and international maritime security. The discussion, which is aimed to bring together a broad spectrum of international maritime stakeholders, demonstrates Pakistan’s resolve to work together to confront new security issues both at regional and at international level.
As we look towards the future of Exercise AMAN, there is hope that it will continue to inspire nations to prioritize cooperation over confrontation. The challenges facing the Indian Ocean are not going away anytime soon, but neither is the spirit of collective action that Exercise AMAN embodies. In a world where division and mistrust often dominate the headlines, initiatives like AMAN provide a much-needed reminder that peace, stability, and security are not just the aspirations of individual nations but the shared responsibility of all.
