Context

The India-Africa Joint field training exercise was held between the Indian Army and 16 African nations in Pune.

About

AFINDEX-19

• The 10-day long joint exercise was held in two locations in Pune. They are Foreign Training Node at Aundh Military Station and College of Military Engineering in Kirkee.
• Indian Army will be represented by the personnel of Maratha Light Infantry.
• Besides, the personnel from the participating nations of African continent, officers from Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar would also attend the exercise as Observers.
• The aim of the exercise is to train the participating contingents in Humanitarian Mine Assistance (HMA) and Peace Keeping Operations (PKO) under the United Nations Charter.
• The joint exercise will also focus on achieving interoperability, learning each other’s methodologies and tactics through synchronized operational level planning and tactical level training.

• The joint exercise will also cover the dynamics of raising a Mission headquarters, nuances of establishing military observer team sites in disturbed areas.
• AFINDEX-19 is expected to greatly facilitate sharing of Indian Armed Forces experiences and shall significantly enhance relations with the African continent.