NEW DELHI: In line with overall policy to enhance military outreach in Africa, where China has made major strategic inroads, Army is ready to conduct Africa-India field exercise and leaders’ conclave in Pune this month.
Senior army officers on Friday declared 10 days AFINDEX The exercise, in which contingents from nine countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Niger, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia) will take part, will start on 21 March. Eleven other countries, including Congo, Egypt, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and Morocco are sending observers to the exercise, which is being held for the second time since 2019.
The first conclave of African leaders, in turn, will be held in Pune on March 28 to coincide with the exercise. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to address the conclave, for which 10 leaders have already confirmed their participation, while another 12 are sending their representatives.
While India has not economy of China and military means, New Delhi relies on its long-standing ties with many African nations. THE Defense Ministers of India AfricaThe conclave, for example, was held on the sidelines of DefExpo in Lucknow in 2020. It was followed by dialogue on defense of India and Africa during DefExpo in Gandhinagar last year.
“There has been a very concerted move towards Africa over the past three years. The next exercise and the conclave will build on the initiatives taken to strengthen India-Africa relations. The aim is also to contribute to the capacity-building of African militaries in a collaborative way,” said an official.
Senior army officers on Friday declared 10 days AFINDEX The exercise, in which contingents from nine countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Niger, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia) will take part, will start on 21 March. Eleven other countries, including Congo, Egypt, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and Morocco are sending observers to the exercise, which is being held for the second time since 2019.
The first conclave of African leaders, in turn, will be held in Pune on March 28 to coincide with the exercise. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to address the conclave, for which 10 leaders have already confirmed their participation, while another 12 are sending their representatives.
While India has not economy of China and military means, New Delhi relies on its long-standing ties with many African nations. THE Defense Ministers of India AfricaThe conclave, for example, was held on the sidelines of DefExpo in Lucknow in 2020. It was followed by dialogue on defense of India and Africa during DefExpo in Gandhinagar last year.
“There has been a very concerted move towards Africa over the past three years. The next exercise and the conclave will build on the initiatives taken to strengthen India-Africa relations. The aim is also to contribute to the capacity-building of African militaries in a collaborative way,” said an official.
