The Aman 2025 exercise - hosted by the Pakistan Navy - has become a major diplomatic and strategic event, drawing over 60 countries to Pakistan’s shores.

The exercise, held at the Pakistan Naval Academy, is not only a display of naval cooperation but also a key opportunity for boosting Pakistan’s blue economy, enhancing regional stability, and securing vital maritime trade routes.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in conversation with Samaa Digital’s senior journalist Asim Siddique, stressed the strategic importance of the event, calling it a “prestigious moment” for the country.

He assured that the government is providing full support to strengthen Pakistan’s maritime security and economic interests.

Boosting the blue economy

With 60% of global trade passing through maritime routes, the blue economy—which includes fisheries, tourism, shipping, and offshore resources—has become a crucial sector for economic growth.

Pakistan’s maritime territory, expanded by 500 square kilometers, remains largely untapped due to bureaucratic hurdles and security concerns.

According to Senator Mushahid Hussain, Pakistan must capitalize on its maritime resources and the opportunities presented by Aman 2025.

“Pakistan has immense potential in the blue economy, but we have yet to fully utilize it. This exercise provides a vital platform for maritime collaboration, investment, and security coordination,” he noted.

The presence of naval forces from over 80 nations opens doors for foreign investments in Pakistan’s ports, shipbuilding industry, and coastal tourism. It also fosters discussions on sustainable ocean management, an area where Pakistan lags despite having a 1,000 km coastline.

Pakistan’s coastline, located near some of the world’s busiest sea lanes, is critical for regional security and trade. The Gwadar port, a major component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), serves as a gateway for trade between Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The participation of Iranian naval forces highlights growing regional security partnerships. The Iranian Naval Commander, speaking at the Aman Dialogue, emphasized Iran’s role in maintaining secure trade routes and ensuring uninterrupted maritime commerce in the Indian Ocean.

“We do not believe that Iranian-managed trade channels are at risk. Security depends on strategic cooperation and regional stability,” he stated.

As Pakistan strengthens its defense collaborations with Iran, China, and other maritime powers, it positions itself as a leading player in Indian Ocean security and trade facilitation.

Global geopolitics and maritime diplomacy

The Aman 2025 exercise comes at a time of shifting global alliances. The return of Donald Trump to power in the United States raises questions about the future of U.S. naval strategy in Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Mushahid Hussain, commenting on the geopolitical situation, noted:

“Trump’s return may bring changes in U.S. policies, but Pakistan will not bow to any external pressure on its economic and security decisions.”

Pakistan’s growing partnership with China remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy, particularly in the naval sector, where both nations are deepening defense and trade ties.