Rutt Syed
Javaria Shaikh
The US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) commenced Middle Eastern region’s largest maritime exercise code named IMX-2022 on 31st January this year. It is an 18-day naval exercise originally launched in 2012. Over 60 nations are participating in this year’s exercise with aim to use artificial intelligence and unmanned technology.
Multi-national maritime exercises are a tool for ensuring regional and global peace and security. IMX-2022 is likewise designed to maintain freedom of navigation and free flow of trade and commerce in this evolving geo-political environment.
The naval manoeuvres in this year’s IMX will span across a vast area such as Arabian Sea, Arabian Gulf, Red Sea. North Indian Ocean, Horn of Africa and Gulf of Oman International naval forces participating in IMX-2022 are divided into four combined task forces depending on their geographies. These forces are led by Egypt, Kenya, United Arab Emirates and Oman. All of these forces will be responsible to operate and exercise in their respective regions.
Maritime affairs in the age of globalization act as tool for fostering cooperation and protecting national interests. Pakistan Navy has been a fervent contributor to maritime security. PN has always acted as a major stabilizing force in the Indian Ocean region. In this context, PN has been part of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). It has been contributing in Combined Task Force CTF-150 and CTF-151 since 2005, Currently, PN also holds the command of CTF-150 with an aim to ensure freedom of seas.
Along with some significant maritime nations, Pakistan is also participating in IMX-2022. Not only is Pakistan participating but it has assumed duties of Deputy Commander for the exercise. This will provide an opportunity to PN to enhance inter-operability in various theatres. PN has been given this responsibility under the overarching umbrella of US Navy Central Command (5th Fleet). This implies that PN is considered a capable maritime force.
In the contemporary security dynamics of Indian Ocean, Pakistan has been facing challenges due to growing dominance of India in the IOR. IMX-2022 will provide Pakistan an opportunity to counter the Indian strategy to isolate Pakistan in the global political arena.
Israel which is an ally of US became part of Combined Maritime Force (CMF) in late 2021. Therefore, amongst other nations Israel was also invited to participate for the first time in IMX-2022. Israeli Navy participating in IMX-2022 has nothing to do with Pakistan’s diplomatic stance over Israel and Palestine. There is a need to understand that participation of PN and Israel Navy under UN mandated multinational forum does not mean in any way that they are operating together. Moreover, Pakistan has already been participating with presence of Israel in various other international forums and exercises such as US Counter terrorism Group, presence of Armed Forces at US CENTCOM and international games like Olympics. Even, in presence of an enduring rivalry with India. Pakistan in 2019 along with India joined Russian led military drills despite Kashmir tensions. The aim of this exercise was to counter terrorism.
In IMX-2022, area of exercise of PN units and Israel Navy are geographically distant. Israeli Navy will be participating with Egyptian Navy and other navies in Red Sea and PN will be operating in Arabian Sea with US Naval Ships. Participation of PN in this exercise has no religious or regional connotations. PN will continue to maintain its historical role as provider of maritime security and torch bearer of peace in the region.
In the contemporary changing international dynamics and geopolitics, Pakistan cannot remain in seclusion. It has to integrate as part of larger international community. Exercises like IMX-22 contribute significantly in advancing country’s diplomacy and projecting positive image. PN has always upheld and preserved national interests of the country Joining IMX as Deputy Commander will affirm PN once again as significant maritime player in the region and reinforce Pakistan’s positive image.