Pakistan’s Maritime Diplomacy

The history of Pakistan’s creation is a testament to the power of political conviction, constitutional argument and determined leadership. The Two-Nation Theory, which gave intellectual and political direction to the demand for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent, found its fulfilment not through violence or terror, but through negotiation, reason and an organised struggle for freedom. The sacrifices of the Muslim leadership and the people who rallied behind it were directed towards the establishment of a state where dignity, security and peaceful coexistence could flourish. This historical experience continues to shape Pakistan’s understanding of peace; it is not a sign of weakness, but a principle that requires patience, wisdom and, when necessary, the courage to defend it.
Since independence in August 1947, Pakistan has repeatedly expressed its desire for peaceful relations with its neighbours and the wider international community. Its history has also demonstrated that the pursuit of peace does not require a nation to surrender its right to defend itself against aggression. The country’s armed forces have consequently carried a dual responsibility; safeguarding national sovereignty while contributing to regional stability and international security. Among these institutions, the Pakistan Navy has assumed an increasingly significant role as maritime trade, strategic waterways and the security of the seas have become central to the prosperity and stability of nations.
The oceans are no longer merely vast expanses separating continents. They are arteries of international commerce, connecting economies, supplying energy and sustaining the movement of essential goods. Any disruption to these routes, whether through piracy, terrorism, trafficking or geopolitical confrontation, can have consequences far beyond the immediate region. In such circumstances, maritime security cannot be the exclusive concern of a single country. It demands cooperation, mutual confidence and a shared willingness to confront common threats. Recognising this reality well before maritime security became such a prominent feature of international debate, the Pakistan Navy launched the multinational maritime exercise AMAN in 2007.
The initiative was founded on a simple yet powerful motto: “Together for Peace.” Its purpose was not merely to demonstrate naval capabilities, but to bring together countries with different political systems, strategic interests and security perspectives in pursuit of a common objective. Through joint training, professional exchanges and coordinated maritime activities, AMAN sought to strengthen interoperability among regional and extra-regional navies, promote a shared understanding of maritime challenges and establish Pakistan as a bridge between nations rather than a dividing line between competing interests.
The growth of the exercise over the years illustrates the increasing value attached to this initiative. The inaugural AMAN exercise, held from March 5 to 13, 2007, brought together 28 countries, with 14 warships participating from Bangladesh, China, France, Italy, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States, alongside other specialist teams and observers. Subsequent editions expanded the exercise’s geographical reach and professional scope. Participation grew to 34 countries in 2017 and 46 in 2019, reflecting a widening interest in collaborative maritime security. By AMAN-23, the number of participating countries had reached 49.
The ninth edition, conducted in the North Arabian Sea from February 7 to 11, 2025, marked another milestone, with 58 countries participating. Naval vessels and specialist teams from numerous states joined the exercise, while senior naval and defence representatives and observers added a wider diplomatic dimension. Such participation is significant not simply because of the number of flags represented, but because it creates opportunities for professional engagement among countries that might otherwise have limited occasions to work together. Its enduring value lies in the trust, understanding and practical cooperation that can emerge from these encounters.
The exercise also reflects Pakistan’s broader contribution to international peace and security. Its participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions, engagement in the UN-mandated Combined Maritime Forces through Combined Task Forces 150 and 151, and involvement in bilateral and multilateral naval exercises demonstrate a continuing interest in collective responses to shared challenges. In the maritime domain, AMAN provides a platform to reinforce this approach by promoting a united resolve against terrorism and other illicit activities at sea, while encouraging navies to develop the professional relationships necessary for effective cooperation.
The forthcoming tenth edition, AMAN-2027, is planned for January 29 to February 2, 2027. Its significance will extend beyond the operational exercises themselves through the second edition of the AMAN Dialogue, organised as an adjunct to the multinational event. The Dialogue is intended to bring together chiefs of navies, coast guards and defence forces, alongside senior officials and other maritime experts, for discussions on emerging regional security concerns. Keynote addresses, seminars and bilateral and multilateral meetings will provide opportunities to examine existing mechanisms of maritime cooperation and consider innovative responses to evolving challenges.
Such a forum is particularly relevant at a time when maritime security intersects with energy supplies, environmental concerns, technological change and the development of the blue economy. The seas offer immense economic opportunities, but their sustainable use requires security, responsible governance and cooperation among coastal and maritime nations. By placing these questions within a broader strategic conversation, the AMAN Dialogue can help connect immediate security concerns with the longer-term economic and developmental interests of the region.
For Pakistan, the exercise also offers an opportunity to present its maritime capabilities, professional expertise and economic potential to the international community. Yet the strongest expression of a country’s soft image is not found in ceremony or publicity alone. It emerges from the consistency of its conduct, the reliability of its commitments and its willingness to work constructively with others. AMAN’s continued expansion provides a platform through which Pakistan can demonstrate these qualities while contributing to the security of the waters that connect nations and sustain global commerce.
The true achievement of AMAN will ultimately be measured not by the number of ships assembled or countries represented, but by the strength of the relationships established and the practical cooperation that follows. Naval exercises cannot eliminate geopolitical rivalries, nor can dialogue resolve every dispute. They can, however, reduce misunderstandings, improve preparedness and create channels of communication where mistrust might otherwise prevail.
As the tenth edition approaches, the principle embodied in AMAN deserves renewed attention. In a world where competition too often overshadows common interests, Pakistan’s initiative offers a reminder that security need not be pursued in isolation. The sea belongs to no single nation, and its protection is a shared responsibility. Through AMAN and the accompanying Dialogue, the Pakistan Navy has an opportunity to reaffirm a proposition that remains as relevant today as it was in 2007; lasting maritime security is best advanced when nations recognise their common interests and work together for peace.