Unlocking Opportunities: The AMAN Dialogue 2025 – A Pathway to Global Cooperation
The upcoming AMAN Exercises, scheduled from February 7 to 11, 2025, are set to hold unprecedented significance as they will feature the inaugural AMAN Dialogue 2025. This initiative will include 120 delegations from 60 countries, notably Pakistan, Iran, and China, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in maritime security and peacekeeping efforts.
These biennial naval exercises, which have been a platform for fostering cooperation since their inception in 2007, have seen a remarkable growth in participation. The last AMAN Exercise in 2023 included 50 countries, while the first event attracted only 28 nations. The increasing number of participants underscores the growing recognition of the strategic importance of the North Arabian Sea to regional players like Pakistan and Iran.
One of the primary objectives of the AMAN Exercises is to address both traditional and non-traditional maritime threats. Key issues include:
- Maritime terrorism
- Smuggling
- Piracy
- Exploitation of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) resources
The motto for these exercises and the AMAN Dialogue 2025 is “Together for Peace.” This event will bring together naval chiefs, coast guards, and defense forces from participating countries to engage in meaningful discussions about strategic and mutual concerns.
To enhance the effectiveness of the AMAN Dialogue 2025, a series of phases have been devised, including seminars and bilateral meetings. These activities aim to ensure that military officers from various countries can share and understand each other’s perspectives on critical issues.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Pakistan Naval Staff, has expressed optimism regarding the participation of the Iranian Navy in the AMAN-25 exercises. He stated, “The Pakistani-Iranian navies have constructive relations, and we are eager to promote cooperation with our neighboring and brotherly country.” He emphasized the potential for both nations to learn from each other’s maritime experiences, fostering a spirit of collaboration.
Since 2007, Iran has been involved in the AMAN Exercises, primarily in an observer capacity, sending senior delegations to participate. The two navies have established a close working relationship, conducting joint naval exercises in the North Arabian Sea with ships such as PNS Babur from Pakistan and Jamaran from Iran.
Port visits between the two countries’ naval vessels are a common occurrence. For instance, PNS Zulfiqar made a port call to Bandar Abbas, further solidifying maritime security cooperation between Pakistan and Iran. This collaboration also extends to joint patrols and intelligence sharing, demonstrating a mutual understanding of the importance of maritime security.
During the AMAN Exercises, maritime conferences provide a valuable platform for discussing pressing issues in the Indian Ocean region. Topics often include:
- Counter-piracy initiatives
- Counter-terrorism measures at sea
- Maritime cooperation
- Regional stability
Senior officials from the Iranian Navy have actively participated in discussions during previous AMAN exercises, focusing on maritime security and stability in the Indian Ocean region. These talks aim to establish guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve interoperability among participating navies.
The AMAN Dialogue, a key feature of the AMAN Exercises, serves as a unique gathering for naval chiefs and coast guards worldwide. It allows for comprehensive discussions on maritime security challenges and opportunities, fostering international collaboration.
This event is organized by the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), Pakistan’s leading maritime think tank, which also provides maritime-focused advice to the government. The objectives of the AMAN Exercises and the AMAN Dialogue 2025 align closely with enhancing regional cooperation and interoperability among navies.
Specifically, these exercises aim to:
- Promote peace and cooperation in the region
- Enhance operational interoperability with both regional and extra-regional navies
- Demonstrate a unified stance against maritime terrorism and crime
- Deepen understanding of maritime security issues and their relation to the Blue Economy
Additionally, the AMAN Exercises aim to highlight the contributions that the Blue Economy can make to the economic growth of participating countries, showcasing the potential for sustainable maritime practices and economic collaboration.
In conclusion, the AMAN Exercises and the AMAN Dialogue 2025 represent a significant opportunity for nations to come together, share knowledge, and tackle maritime security challenges collectively. As the event approaches, anticipation grows regarding the outcomes of this essential dialogue and the collaborative efforts that will emerge.
Muhammad Mehdi is the chairman of the Institute for International Relations and Media Research, while Commander Anees Muhammad Khan serves as a senior researcher at Pakistan’s National Institute of Maritime Affairs.
