New Delhi, Mar 18 (UNI) Aiming to further enhance the bilateral defence ties, the Indian Army on Monday commenced a 10-day long military exercise with 17 African countries at Aundh Military Station in Pune.
“The inaugural Africa-India Field Training Exercise-2019 for India and African nations called AFINDEX-19 scheduled from March 18-27,” an Indian Army spokesperson said.
The participating African nations included Benin, Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Golden Katar Division General Officer Commanding Major General Sanjeev Sharma was the Chief Guest for the opening ceremony, reviewed the parade, in presence of a large number of Defence Attaches and other officials of participating nations.
A fly past by a set of Advanced Light Helicopters and Cheetah Helicopter of the Indian Army carrying the flags of United Nations, India and the AFINDEX was the highlight of the opening ceremony.
The Chief Guest and Defence Attaches from various nations interacted with the contingents after the completion of the parade.
The aim of the exercise is to practice the participating nations in planning and conduct of Humanitarian Mine Assistance and Peace Keeping Operations under Chapter VII of United Nations Peace Keeping Operations.
The exercise will focus on exchange of best practices between the participating nations, team building and tactical level operations in conduct of United Nations mandated tasks to include establishment of a new mission, siting of a United Nations Headquarters for Peace Keeping operations, siting of Military Observer sites during the peace keeping missions, protection of civilians, nuances of standing combat deployment, convoy protection, patrolling aspects and aspects related to Humanitarian Mine Assistance.
UNI ASH SHK2009