The Pakistan Navy is gearing up to host the ninth edition of the AMAN multinational maritime exercises in February 2025, with participation from over 60 countries. This exercise has become a flagship event for the Pakistan Navy, aiming to foster a unified maritime community to combat non-traditional threats, including terrorism and organized crimes at sea. According to the most recent report from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), these threats remain significant, and complacency could lead to a resurgence in piracy and maritime terrorism.
In addition to demonstrating collective resolve against these threats, AMAN aims to build bridges amid global geopolitical tensions. The exercise uniquely brought together the navies of the United States, China, and Russia in 2021 and has regularly included China and the US since 2007. Other countries, such as Australia, Japan, and India, also participate regularly, with India being the only exception. AMAN is not just a military exercise; it includes onshore activities across areas like security policy, blue economy, and cultural exchanges, making it a platform for comprehensive maritime cooperation and networking.
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The significance of maritime cooperation has grown, particularly due to instability in regions like the Middle East and Africa, which has intensified in the 21st century. In response, Pakistan has been an active participant in global maritime security initiatives, notably the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) led by the US, where Pakistan has commanded Combined Task Forces (CTF) 150 and 151 multiple times. Pakistan also maintains independent regional maritime security patrols across the Red Sea and Persian Gulf, ensuring a constant security presence.
This year, Pakistan Navy will elevate its maritime dialogue by replacing the traditional International Maritime Conference (IMC) with the AMAN Dialogue. This three-day event will feature a summit of naval and coast guard chiefs, an academic seminar, and opportunities for bilateral meetings during the “sea phase” of the exercises. The inclusion of top decision-makers emphasizes the growing importance of not only security but also the blue economy and international cooperation in maritime affairs.
AMAN 2025 presents Pakistan with a unique opportunity to showcase its maritime vision on the global stage, emphasizing its role in promoting peace and stability at sea. By enhancing dialogue and fostering practical cooperation, Pakistan hopes to pave the way for broader collaborations in the blue economy and people-to-people exchanges, which could yield substantial benefits for the region and beyond.
