In recent years, India has been increasing its engagement with Africa, recognizing the strategic importance of the continent and the potential it holds for economic growth and development. One of the key areas of cooperation has been in the field of defence, with India looking to export its indigenous defence equipment and technologies to African nations, while also working on capacity-building and training programmes.
In this context, the India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave was held in Lucknow in 2020, where the Lucknow Declaration was adopted, laying down the path for defence cooperation between India and African nations. As a follow-up to this, an India-Africa defence dialogue was held at Gandhinagar on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022. The focus of these initiatives has been to enhance peace and security in the region and create opportunities for exchange of ideas and perspectives.
AFINDEX: Enhancing Capabilities and Building Partnerships
One of the key initiatives in this regard has been the Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX), which was first held in Pune in March 2019 and saw participation from 20 African nations. The exercise is divided into four phases, starting with trainer training and followed by a humanitarian mine action and a peace-keeping operations phase. The aim is to enhance the capabilities of African armies in these areas and to build partnerships between Indian and African troops.
During the exercise, maximum use of indigenous equipment is being made and new generation equipment manufactured in India is being showcased to the participating nations. This is in line with India’s effort to promote defence exports and give a feel of the efficacy of its equipment to potential buyers. The exercise is also an opportunity for Indian troops to learn from the African experience in cooperative security and crisis management.
Chiefs Conclave: Exploring Key Aspects of Defence Partnership
Another important event in this series of initiatives is the Chiefs Conclave, which is scheduled to be held on March 28, 2023. The conclave will take place over two sessions, with the first session exploring the key aspects of defence partnership and the second session focusing on the Indian defence industry’s outreach to Africa. This is an opportunity for leaders of Indian and African defence forces to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the field of defence cooperation and to explore ways to deepen their partnerships.
Why In News
The Indian Army is set to host the upcoming Africa-India field training exercise (AFINDEX-23) and African Chiefs Conclave in Pune. The conclave is expected to be attended by representatives from more than 22 countries, while over 20 countries are scheduled to participate in the exercise.
MCQs on India-Africa Defence Cooperation
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What is the main objective of the India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave held in Lucknow in 2020?
A. To enhance the capabilities of Indian troops in peacekeeping operations
B. To promote the export of Indian defence equipment to African nations
C. To establish a strategic partnership between India and Africa in the field of defence
D. To discuss the challenges of terrorism in the African continent
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What is the purpose of the Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX)?
A. To showcase the efficacy of new generation equipment manufactured in India
B. To enhance the capabilities of African armies in humanitarian mine action and peacekeeping operations
C. To provide training to Indian troops in cooperative security and crisis management
D. To establish a military alliance between India and African nations
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What is the focus of the second session of the upcoming African Chiefs Conclave?
A. Key aspects of defence partnership
B. Indian defence industry’s outreach to Africa
C. Challenges and opportunities in the field of defence cooperation
D. Enhancing peace and security in the region
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