The inaugural event of the second edition of the Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX 2023) began at the Foreign Training Node (FTN) of the Indian Army located at Aundh Military Station in Pune Tuesday. The 10-day exercise will focus on Humanitarian Mine Assistance and United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
The multinational military drill will promote the idea of Africa-India Militaries for Regional Unity (AMRUT) and will focus on incorporating the current dynamics of UN Peacekeeping Forces (UNPKF) through practical and comprehensive discussions and tactical exercises, the Army has said. As many as 24 African militaries are being represented by their contingents or teams of observers in the exercise.
Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX-2023) (Express Photo by Arul Horizon)
The collective effort will also focus on achieving the desired interoperability and cohesive operational ability of the troops from all participating nations, thus reducing the risk of life and property during peacekeeping operations, officials said.
The inaugural edition of the Africa-India Field Training Exercise AFINDEX was held at the FTN in March 2019. India has been one of the biggest contributors of troops to UN Peacekeeping Operations all over the world and the country’s Army is considered to be among expert agencies in the world in mine removal operations.
Some war-torn countries in Africa face the problem of landmines and Unexploded Ordnance, often referred to as UXO. The joint exercise with India will benefit the participating countries greatly and the Indian Army will also learn from their experiences, officials said. The exercise is also being looked at as a key element of India’s diplomatic ties with African countries.
In addition, Pune will also host the strategically significant India-Africa Army Chiefs Conclave. Army Chiefs’ Conclave on March 28 and 29 at Hotel JW Marriot. The conclave will include talks by renowned speakers on India-Africa Defence partnership, the Indian defence industry’s potential and contribution towards regional security.
