India and Africa Forge Deeper Naval Ties for Regional Stability

India’s relationship with Africa is undergoing a transformative phase, evolving from shared values and diplomatic goodwill to robust maritime partnerships that address common security challenges. Anchored in India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy, these collaborations have transitioned from high-level agreements to operational strategies, with the Indian Navy playing a pivotal role in building capacity and interoperability across African waters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Nigeria has further amplified India’s outreach to Africa. Modi emphasized India’s commitment to deepening ties with African nations, highlighting strategic cooperation in defence, trade, and energy. This renewed focus on regional collaboration reinforces India’s vision of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as a secure and prosperous maritime domain.

A Submarine Lifeline for South Africa

One of the most notable milestones in India-Africa naval cooperation is the submarine rescue support agreement signed between India and South Africa in September 2024. This landmark accord enables the Indian Navy to deploy its Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) to assist South Africa during underwater emergencies. Given South Africa’s limited submarine rescue infrastructure, this arrangement provides a critical safety net.

India’s DSRV, capable of operating at depths of up to 650 metres and deployable by air, road, or sea, has a proven track record in international operations, including its involvement in the 2021 KRI Nanggala submarine crisis in Indonesia. By offering such advanced capabilities, India enhances South Africa’s naval preparedness and strengthens regional maritime safety.

This partnership reflects India’s broader strategy of practical capacity building, a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Nigeria, where he reaffirmed India’s commitment to providing developmental and security support across Africa.

Training the Next Generation of Naval Command

Beyond technical capabilities, India has prioritized strengthening African naval forces through targeted training initiatives. In November 2024, a South African Navy delegation visited India’s Sea Training Headquarters in Kochi for an intensive Operational Sea Training (OST) program.

The program, conducted by the Indian Navy’s Fleet Operational Sea Training (FOST) team, included simulations, damage control exercises, firefighting drills, and harbour operations. Such hands-on training equips South African naval personnel with advanced protocols to address real-world maritime challenges.

Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on knowledge sharing during his Nigeria visit aligns with these initiatives. As the “Preferred Training Partner” in the IOR, India enables African nations to enhance their operational standards, fostering greater self-reliance in addressing regional security threats.

IBSAMAR VIII: A Showcase of Multinational Cooperation

The eighth iteration of IBSAMAR—a trilateral naval exercise involving India, Brazil, and South Africa—demonstrates India’s commitment to fostering multinational maritime collaboration. Held in October 2024, IBSAMAR VIII featured the Indian Navy’s stealth frigate, INS Talwar, participating in advanced exercises off the South African coast.

The exercise strengthened interoperability among the three navies, focusing on Blue Water Naval Warfare, maritime domain awareness, and coordinated response strategies. Such collaborations are vital for addressing shared challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking, which threaten the stability of the IOR.

Modi’s visit to Nigeria highlighted the importance of such cooperative frameworks, reiterating India’s role in fostering trust and operational synergy among African nations.

A Template for Broader Africa-India Cooperation

The India-South Africa naval partnership serves as a model for wider collaborations across Africa. As piracy and maritime crimes continue to impact regions like the Gulf of Guinea, India’s expertise offers practical solutions. From submarine rescue to training programs and joint exercises, African navies stand to benefit significantly from Indian partnerships.

The Gulf of Guinea, a piracy hotspot, is particularly well-positioned to leverage India’s maritime domain awareness and crisis response capabilities. By engaging with Indian naval forces, African nations can bolster their security frameworks, creating a safer maritime environment for trade and development.

A Strategic Shift in Regional Partnerships

India’s evolving role in Africa signifies a departure from traditional defence alliances toward actionable, outcome-oriented collaborations. Modi’s discussions in Nigeria underscored this shift, focusing on practical engagements that address shared security concerns.

By offering critical capabilities such as submarine rescue, advanced training, and multinational exercises, India is assisting African nations in building resilient naval frameworks. These partnerships highlight India’s position as a net-security provider in the IOR, aligning with its SAGAR vision.

As India and Africa deepen their maritime engagements, they lay the foundation for a secure, stable, and prosperous future. These initiatives address immediate security challenges and promise to reshape the maritime dynamics of the region for years to come.