Charting New Waters: India and ASEAN Navigate Together in the First Historic Maritime Exercise

It took place at a critical juncture following the meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Chinese Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, along with other member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), aiming to pave the way for the final SCO meeting in July. While ASEAN countries maintain significant trade relations with China, the expanding influence of China in the South China Sea has raised concerns for the People's Republic of China. Consequently, the inaugural maritime exercise between ASEAN and India has generated apprehensions for China in the region. Given these dynamics, this article aims to delve into the details of the recently concluded AIME-2023, highlighting its prime focus, while also examining how other regional and global powers perceive this significant maritime exercise.

AIME-2023, the ASEAN-Indian Maritime Exercise, concluded in two phases. The first phase, the sea phase, took place between May 7 and May 8. The second phase, known as the harbour phase, was held at Changi Naval Base in Singapore from May 2 to May 4. The exercise saw the participation of the navies of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, along with the Indian Navy. According to a press release by the Ministry of Defence, two ships from the Indian Navy, INS Satpura and INS Delhi, took part in the exercise. These ships are part of the Indian Navy's eastern fleet, based in Visakhapatnam in southern India. INS Satpura is a Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate, named after the majestic Satpura mountain range in central India. It was indigenously built at Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai and commissioned on November 15, 1997. INS Delhi, on the other hand, is the lead ship of her class, a guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy. It was commissioned on August 20, 2011.

Both ships are equipped with a versatile array of weapons and sensors, and they boast state-of-the-art technology. INS Satpura, being an improved version of its predecessors, the Talwar-class frigates, features enhanced stealth capabilities and land attack features. It also has the capability to carry multi-role helicopters. Singapore, as part of its participation, deployed its Formidable-class frigate, RSS Supreme, for the AIME-2023 exercise. The press release stated that a total of nine ships, six aircraft, and over 1800 personnel from ASEAN member countries took part in the exercise. The event provided an opportunity for naval forces to enhance interoperability, foster cooperation, and strengthen maritime security in the region.

 The AIME-2023 exercise was officially announced during the 19th ASEAN-India Summit held in Phnom Penh in 2022. During this summit, the two sides unveiled the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership, signifying their commitment to deepening bilateral ties. The prime objective of the exercise was to strengthen the relationship between the ASEAN countries and India, particularly in the realm of maritime cooperation. One of the key goals of the exercise was to promote maritime cooperation and foster trust, friendship, and confidence among the participating ASEAN nations. Recognizing the shared challenges and potential threats faced by both ASEAN countries and India, particularly from China's growing influence in the region, the exercise aimed to enhance inter-operability between the navies and promote mutual learning of best practices.

With China's assertive actions in the South China Sea and its expanding military capabilities in both the maritime and land domains, it has become crucial for ASEAN countries and India to enhance their maritime capabilities and ensure regional stability. By conducting joint exercises like AIME-2023, participating nations can develop a better understanding of each other's operational procedures, communication systems, and tactics. This will not only strengthen their ability to cooperate effectively but also enhance their overall military muscle and flexibility.

The exercise provides a platform for ASEAN countries and India to share experiences, expertise, and knowledge in areas such as maritime security, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. It offers an opportunity to conduct joint training and exercises that simulate real-world scenarios, enabling participants to hone their skills, improve coordination, and develop a shared understanding of operational challenges. By deepening cooperation through exercises like AIME-2023, ASEAN countries and India can build greater resilience in the face of emerging security threats. The exercise serves as a tangible manifestation of their commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, ensuring freedom of navigation, and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The AIME-2023 exercise, co-hosted by the Indian Navy (IN) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), was conducted in two phases, each encompassing different aspects of maritime operations. During the first phase, personnel from participating nations engaged in a professional exchange focused on visit, board, search and seizure operations, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. This phase provided an opportunity for the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and operational experiences in these critical areas. The second phase of the exercise involved a series of maneuvers aimed at enhancing coordination and interoperability among the participating navies. These maneuvers included helicopter cross-deck landings, maritime security operations, communication exercises, and maneuvering exercises. Through these activities, the navies worked together to improve their tactical capabilities and strengthen their ability to operate effectively in a coordinated manner.

AIME-2023 also incorporated the simulation of tracking the movement of a simulated vessel of interest. This simulation was supplemented by information provided by ASEAN international liaison officers attached to the Singaporean Navy's Information Fusion Center (IFC). The IFC's Real-Time Information Sharing System (IRIS), a web-based platform designed for rapid maritime security collaboration, facilitated the sharing of information and enhanced situational awareness among the participating nations. Additionally, the exercise emphasized the importance of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES). CUES serves as a maritime confidence-building measure intended to promote trust and confidence among naval forces, thereby reducing the chances of accidental or unintended incidents in the maritime domain. By focusing on CUES, AIME-2023 aimed to enhance mutual understanding, communication, and cooperation among the participating navies.

The exercise concluded with a sailpast, where all participating ships sailed together at sea. This symbolic display of unity and collaboration highlighted the collective commitment of the ASEAN and Indian navies to fostering regional security and stability. The sailpast also served as a reminder of the bonds forged during the exercise and the shared vision of maintaining peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The AIME-2023 exercise took place against the backdrop of evolving dynamics in India-ASEAN relations. Both India and ASEAN countries are navigating a changing regional context, with contrasting trajectories. While some ASEAN countries have been reaping the benefits of globalization and economic integration, India's approach has witnessed a degree of retrenchment.

In 2019, India made the decision to withdraw from the negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) at the eleventh hour. This move raised questions about India's commitment to engaging with ASEAN countries and its regional economic integration efforts. Some ASEAN nations viewed India's participation in the RCEP as crucial for achieving a region with internal economic balance. It was seen as an opportunity to construct a framework that would facilitate the economic development and growth of ASEAN countries, often referred to as the "Little Four Dragons" and the "Flying Bees," as described by Ezra F. Vogel in his book.

The decision to withdraw from the RCEP negotiations highlighted India's concerns regarding the potential adverse impacts on its domestic industries, especially in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. It also reflected India's strategic considerations and the need to protect its own economic interests. However, this move raised concerns among some ASEAN countries that had viewed India's involvement as a valuable component of the partnership. India's decision to retreat from the RCEP negotiations signaled a shift in its approach to regional economic integration. It sparked debates about India's level of engagement with ASEAN and its commitment to fostering a balanced and inclusive regional economic order. The AIME-2023 exercise, therefore, took place at a time when India's role and position in ASEAN were being reevaluated.

It is important to note that India's reticence in the RCEP negotiations does not imply a complete disengagement from ASEAN. India continues to engage with ASEAN countries through various bilateral and multilateral platforms. The AIME-2023 exercise itself serves as a testament to the ongoing commitment to enhancing cooperation and maintaining strong ties between India and ASEAN navies. As India and ASEAN navigate the changing dynamics of their relationship, it is essential to find common ground and explore alternative avenues for collaboration. Both parties have valuable contributions to make in shaping the regional order, promoting economic growth, and ensuring regional stability. By fostering dialogue, understanding, and mutually beneficial partnerships, India and ASEAN can continue to strengthen their relationship and navigate the complex challenges of the evolving regional landscape.

Conclusion

The AIME-2023 exercise has certainly caught China's attention. Reports suggest that Chinese maritime militia boats closely monitored the exercise, particularly when it was conducted in the Vietnamese Exclusive Economic Zone. Despite this presence, there was no direct confrontation or face-off between the Chinese boats and the participating navy ships. This incident highlights the growing unease in Beijing regarding the first India-ASEAN maritime exercise. Against the backdrop of the geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region involving India, China, and the United States, the AIME exercise assumes significant importance. It serves as a platform for fostering engagement through diplomatic means and enhancing inter-operability between the Indian and ASEAN navies. Notably, this exercise is the first of its kind, conducted between one country and a group of others.

The continuous military and diplomatic pressures from the People's Republic of China (PRC) on both India and ASEAN nations are likely to drive them towards strengthening their defense cooperation. The recent agreement between India and Malaysia, wherein India agreed to sell 18 light combat aircraft (LCA-Tejas), signifies the growing warmth in their bilateral relationship. This move also serves as a deterrent or moderating factor against China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain. India is actively focused on enhancing its Act East policy and deepening engagement with ASEAN countries. The AIME exercise is seen as a win-win cooperation for both India and ASEAN nations. It not only strengthens defense ties but also fosters mutual understanding and trust among the participating countries.

As regional dynamics continue to evolve, it is important for India and ASEAN countries to sustain their defense cooperation efforts. By promoting dialogues, conducting joint exercises, and enhancing interoperability, they can effectively address common security challenges and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The AIME exercise serves as a stepping stone towards achieving these objectives and furthering the strategic partnerships between India and ASEAN nations.

References

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Pic Courtesy-Indian navy website

(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)