Iqbal Khan
Just concluded Aman 2019 was the 6th exercise of a multinational Naval initiative hosted biennially by Pakistan Navy since 2007. Exercise radiated a strong message to Indian Prime Minster Narendra Modi, who has been dreaming of isolating Pakistan internationally and has been playing jokers through comics of so called ‘surgical strikes’. Twenty eight countries had participated in the first Aman exercise in 2007; number rose to 46 in Aman-2019.
The serialized event is based on Pakistan Navy led concept to bring leading World navies under one umbrella for collaborative peace and security in the maritime domain. At the global level, there is strong realization that given the vast expanse of oceans and an array of maritime threats, preserving maritime order in the global commons, necessitates collaborative efforts as a matter of compulsion rather than choice. Hence, maritime security ought to be prototypically cooperative instead of being competitive.
Contemporary, threats to maritime security increasingly emanate from evolving asymmetric challenges that have deeply impacted the maritime environment. Maritime security is pivotal for a typical national security and protection of maritime routes is also necessary for sustenance of economy at national, regional and global levels. Pakistan, located at a strategic position in the Indian Ocean, needs to prepare itself for the challenges and work out viable strategy for the development of the maritime sector. Indian Ocean acts as a strategic gateway for food, maritime transportation and energy supplies to the world and the presence of major powers in the Indian Ocean Region signifies its importance under a complex security environment.
Aman-2019 was mostly a non-firing exercise as live weapon firing was only carried out in a marked area known to all ships. Exercise was conducted in two phases. Harbour phase spanned from February 08 to10; followed by the sea phase on Feb 11-12. Pakistan Air Force and the Pakistan Army also took part in the exercise.
The principal purpose of the Aman series is to provide a forum for understanding of each other’s maritime concepts and operational cultures, and come up with ways and means to combat common threats at sea. Aman-2019 aimed at bridging gaps and making it possible to operate together in pursuance of shared objectives. Exercise sought to enhance cooperation between countries and allows them to take benefit from mutual advantages and understand each other.
Pakistan as an important regional player wishes to work in harmony and collaboration with all regional countries for the common objectives of peace, stability and economic prosperity for the people of the region. The 6th Aman Exercise was an embodiment of Pakistan’s commitment toward global peace and harmony where the naval forces from across the continents were brought on a single platform to enhance combating capabilities in the wake of traditional and non-traditional security challenges. Exercise demonstrated that participating counties could work together, keeping their political differences aside, to defeat common adversaries. These adversaries pose threats like piracy, terrorism, drug-trafficking, gun-running and human smuggling; and another greater adversary is the climate change which calls for a growing need to respond to it collectively. Despite having a recent turbulent phase of its contemporary history, Pakistan remained steadfast in fighting the forces of terror and tyranny. Pakistan continues to be a responsible state, cognizant of its role and significance in the international system.
Demonstration of collective resolve for peace by 46 countries was the hallmark of the biennial exercise hosted by Pakistan Navy. Naval assets including naval ships, helicopters, Special Forces elements and observers from these countries participated in the exercise. Alongside came the good news of Pakistan Navy acquiring a Chinese aircraft career. This acquisition was long overdue to correct the balance of power in our immediate and adjoining sea, gulfs and oceans. There is dire need for strategic cooperation to counter transnational maritime threats and encourage safety, security and stability in the region. AMAN-19 will pave the way to make the region more peaceful and secure with combined efforts by all stakeholders.
Exercise was conducted in two phases; the harbour phase spanned from 08-10 Feb and the sea phase from 11–12 Feb. The harbour phase comprised International Maritime Conference, seminars, table talks, cross ships visits, calls on, International Band Display, Maritime Counter Terrorism Demonstration, Cultural show and Food Gala. Whereas, the sea phase included practical execution of operational plans and activities finalized during harbour phase.
Pakistan as an important regional player wishes to work in harmony and collaboration with all regional countries for the common objectives of peace, stability and economic prosperity for the people. Pakistan has always been an ardent supporter of maritime cooperation, and being the pioneer partner of Combined Maritime Forces’ task forces CTF-150 and CTF-151, Pakistan has been the largest regional contributor to these constructs in terms of men and material. Pakistan has commenced Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP} which aims at maintaining security posture in critical sea areas and choke points in the Indian Ocean.
Pakistan has been a proactive member of maritime security initiatives launched as part of the war against terror. Pakistan Navy has always been a consistent Security contributor in Indian Ocean Region. Task Force 88 and RMSP have been institutionalized to ensure maritime security of Gwadar and adjacent sea lanes and maintain robust security posture in critical sea areas and choke points in Indian Ocean for protection of national and international shipping.
All envisaged aims and objectives alongside operational concepts and plans of Aman 2019 stood the test of validation during the sea phase of exercise. Pakistan Navy’s collaborative maritime security engagements with regional and extra-regional navies in the form of Aman-19 signifies Pakistan’s resolve and commitment towards global peace and prosperity.
