Pune will be the site of two important events that will strengthen defence ties between India and African countries: the India-Africa Army Chiefs Conclave on March 28 and 29 and the Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX 2023) starting on March 21 and lasting for 10 days. Officials said that the events will make the countries’ military ties stronger.
Army Chiefs or their representatives from 21 African countries will be there, and 24 African militaries will be represented by their contingents or teams of observers. The second AFINDEX will give the participating contingents a chance to improve their tactical skills, drills, and procedures for UN-mandated joint operations to keep the peace. The exercise will also help the armies of African countries work together and understand each other better, and it will promote the Indian defence industry.
At the Army Chiefs’ Conclave, which will be held at the Hotel JW Marriot, well-known speakers will talk about the India-Africa Defense Partnership, the potential of the Indian defence industry, and how India can help keep the region safe. Rajnath Singh, who is in charge of the military, will be the main guest.
The event will focus on joint training and strengthening defence ties between different countries. It will also try to create an institutionalised framework for better and more effective military-to-military cooperation to deal with new global challenges. An official said, “The conclave will send a strong message to all the countries that will be there that India and Africa are serious about working together in the new world order.”
The participants will learn about the Indian defence industry and how it is being boosted by programmes like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. During the conclave, there are also plans to visit and talk with different defence production industries and African representatives.
At the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, there will be a ceremony to start AFINDEX 2023. Under the UN mandate, there is also a plan for a full validation exercise on the theme of “Humanitarian Mine Actions and Peacekeeping Operations.”
The joint exercise will promote the idea of Africa-India Militaries for Regional Unity (AMRUT) and will focus on incorporating the current dynamics of UN peacekeeping operations through practical and thorough discussions and tactical exercises. Officials say that the joint effort will also focus on making sure that the troops from all of the participating nations can work together and work as a team, which will reduce the risk to people and property during peacekeeping operations.
In March 2019, the FTN was the site of the first AFINDEX. India has been one of the countries that has sent the most troops to UN Peacekeeping Operations all over the world. The Indian Army is also thought to be one of the best at removing mines. Some war-torn African countries have to deal with landmines and UXO, which stands for “Unexploded Ordnance.” Officials say that the joint exercise with India will be very helpful for all of the countries involved, and that the Indian Army will also learn a lot from their experiences. People are also looking at the exercise as a key part of India’s diplomatic ties with African countries.
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