With the objective of fostering closer military ties with African nations, the first ever Africa-India Field Training Exercise-2019 called AFINDEX-19 started in Pune on Monday and will end on March 27. At least 17 nations from the African continent are taking part in the exercise to plan and conduct humanitarian mine assistance and peace keeping operations under Chapter seven of the UN Peace Keeping operations.
Giving details of the inaugural conclave, officials said here on Monday 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.
The participating countries from Africa include Benin, Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger,Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe came together for the opening ceremony along with a contingent of Maratha Light Infantry representing India.
Major General Sanjeev Sharma, General Officer Commanding, Golden Katar Division, who was the Chief Guest for the opening ceremony, reviewed the parade, in presence of a large number of Defence Attaches and other officials of the participating countries. 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. PNS