AFINDEX 2023

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Context

• The 2^nd edition of joint military exercise “The Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX-2023)” culminated today at Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune.

Highlights of the exercise

• AFINDEX-2023 was held from 16 to 29 Mar 2023.
• A total of 25 nations of the African continent with 124 participants and Indian troops from the SIKH, MARATHA and MAHAR Regiments participated in the multinational exercise.

Aim

• Aim of the exercise was to build positive military relations, imbibe each other’s best practices and promote the ability to operate together while undertaking execution of Humanitarian Mine Action and Peace Keeping Operations under the UN mandate. 
• This joint exercise will enable the armies to learn and adopt methodologies and tactics while conducting such operations.
• Further, the exercise will assist the forces in correct interpretation of Rules of Engagements while undertaking Peace Keeping Operations.
• The bonhomie, espirit-de-corps and goodwill generated during the exercise will go a long way in further strengthening the bonds between the armies by enabling understanding of each other’s organisation and methodology of conducting various operations.

Background

• 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 the 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 led to the sharing of the best practices and experience on the subject.
• The exercise is also a key element of India’s diplomatic ties with African countries.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q) Joint Military Exercises should be more about promoting the ability to operate together while undertaking the execution of Humanitarian Action and Peace Keeping Operations under the UN mandate. Critically Analyse this statement. (250 words)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1911766