The Indian Navy has recently conducted several maritime exercises and cooperation initiatives aimed at enhancing regional security and strategic partnerships. INS Chennai and INS Kesari successfully carried out manoeuvering exercises and Visit Board Search & Seizure drills, involving the MARCOS team alongside the Tanzanian People's Defence Force (TPDF) and Kenyan special forces onboard INS Chennai. These joint training exercises are part of the inaugural Africa-India Counter-Piracy Maritime Drills (AIKEYME), held off the coast of Tanzania, involving eight other African nations and marking a step in India-Africa naval cooperation. Additionally, Indian Naval Ship Sunayna collaborated with the Mozambique Navy for joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance of Mozambican waters. Further emphasizing India's commitment to regional maritime security under its MAHASAGAR vision and 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the Indian Navy completed a major refit of the Maldivian Coast Guard Ship MNDF Huravee at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This refit underscores strong diplomatic and military cooperation between India and the Maldives, reinforcing India's broader maritime strategic engagement in the region.

The United States is increasingly focused on securing access to critical minerals, particularly rare earth elements, which are essential for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles. The demand for these minerals is projected to increase tenfold by 2035, driven by the growth in sectors such as electric vehicles and defense, including submarines. Currently, China dominates the global rare earth market, accounting for approximately 70% of production. In response, countries including India, the U.S., and the UAE are actively working to diversify their mineral supply chains to reduce dependence on China. Mozambique has emerged as a key area of interest for the U.S. due to its mineral resources. Experts suggest that this competition over critical minerals is part of a broader geopolitical shift, with the U.S. extending its influence from Greenland to Panama, while Russia and China pursue territorial and regional expansion in the Pacific. There are concerns about the U.S. approach focusing narrowly on mineral extraction without broader strategic engagement, such as expanding trade, investment ties, and diplomatic presence in Africa to support American businesses and citizens.

Amnesty International has reported that Mozambican security forces conducted a brutal crackdown on protests following the October 2024 elections. The crackdown, which lasted for approximately three months, involved the use of reckless and unnecessary force, including live ammunition, resulting in the deaths of nearly 400 people and injuries to around 3,000 others. The protests erupted amid allegations of election fraud after Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner. Human Rights Watch has accused the government of killing civilians with incendiary bombs, prompting calls from Amnesty International and opposition groups for an urgent, independent investigation into the violence and the deaths caused during the post-election unrest.

The Indian Navy has recently conducted several maritime exercises and cooperation initiatives aimed at enhancing regional security and strategic partnerships. INS Chennai and INS Kesari successfully carried out manoeuvering exercises and Visit Board Search & Seizure drills, involving the MARCOS team alongside the Tanzanian People's Defence Force (TPDF) and Kenyan special forces onboard INS Chennai. These joint training exercises are part of the inaugural Africa-India Counter-Piracy Maritime Drills (AIKEYME), held off the coast of Tanzania, involving eight other African nations and marking a step in India-Africa naval cooperation. Additionally, Indian Naval Ship Sunayna collaborated with the Mozambique Navy for joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance of Mozambican waters. Further emphasizing India's commitment to regional maritime security under its MAHASAGAR vision and 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the Indian Navy completed a major refit of the Maldivian Coast Guard Ship MNDF Huravee at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This refit underscores strong diplomatic and military cooperation between India and the Maldives, reinforcing India's broader maritime strategic engagement in the region.

The United States is increasingly focused on securing access to critical minerals, particularly rare earth elements, which are essential for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles. The demand for these minerals is projected to increase tenfold by 2035, driven by the growth in sectors such as electric vehicles and defense, including submarines. Currently, China dominates the global rare earth market, accounting for approximately 70% of production. In response, countries including India, the U.S., and the UAE are actively working to diversify their mineral supply chains to reduce dependence on China. Mozambique has emerged as a key area of interest for the U.S. due to its mineral resources. Experts suggest that this competition over critical minerals is part of a broader geopolitical shift, with the U.S. extending its influence from Greenland to Panama, while Russia and China pursue territorial and regional expansion in the Pacific. There are concerns about the U.S. approach focusing narrowly on mineral extraction without broader strategic engagement, such as expanding trade, investment ties, and diplomatic presence in Africa to support American businesses and citizens.

Amnesty International has reported that Mozambican security forces conducted a brutal crackdown on protests following the October 2024 elections. The crackdown, which lasted for approximately three months, involved the use of reckless and unnecessary force, including live ammunition, resulting in the deaths of nearly 400 people and injuries to around 3,000 others. The protests erupted amid allegations of election fraud after Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner. Human Rights Watch has accused the government of killing civilians with incendiary bombs, prompting calls from Amnesty International and opposition groups for an urgent, independent investigation into the violence and the deaths caused during the post-election unrest.