Tag: army

Categories
-Top News India News USA

Army chief departs for US to discuss security ties

The ministry said that these engagements symbolise the respect and mutual commitment towards global peace and security shared between the two countries…reports Asian Lite News

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande on Monday morning departed on a significant official tour to the U.S.

The Ministry of Defence said that the COAS will be in the US from February 13 to 16.

The ministry said that during his visit, the COAS will exchange ideas on crucial topics such as the ‘Transformation in the Indian Army,’ ‘Global Threat Perception,’ ‘Transformation to Army-2030/2040,’ ‘Human Resource Challenges,’ ‘Future Force Development and Modernisation,’ and ‘Co-Production and Co-Development Initiatives.’

“These discussions are aimed at sharing insights, ideas, and best practices between the two armies,” the ministry said.

It said that the visit underscores the deepening military cooperation and strategic partnership between India and the U.S, aiming to further strengthen defence cooperation and foster stronger bonds between the armies of both nations.

The ministry said that the COAS will engage in high-level discussions and interactions with General Randy George, United States Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA) and other senior military leaders.

It said that General Randy George, US CSA, had recently visited India for the Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conference (IPACC) that was jointly hosted by the Indian Army and the US Army. The conference was attended by 18 Chiefs of Armies and 12 countries represented by Heads of Delegations.

“Highlights of the tour include a prestigious US Army Honour Guard ceremony, a solemn laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, and a comprehensive tour of the Pentagon,” the ministry said.

The ministry said that these engagements symbolise the respect and mutual commitment towards global peace and security shared between the two countries.

The ministry said that the visit includes the ‘Army Geospatial Centre’ at Fort Belvoir, the ‘National Defence University’ at Fort McNair, and interactions with leadership at Headquarters 1 Corps.

“The COAS will also engage with units at the forefront of military innovation and strategy, including the Stryker Unit, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, the 1st Special Forces Group at Seattle and the Defence Innovation Unit in San Francisco,” the ministry said.

The ministry said that a visit to the California National Guard is also planned which highlights the comprehensive nature of the visit aimed at exploring avenues for more significant training, co-development and co-production engagements.

It said that during IPACC, General Randy George and General Manoj Pande will also engage in constructive dialogue, addressing a wide range of issues related to military cooperation, synergising approaches to HADR, increasing military exchange endeavours and other issues of mutual interest.

“Their interactions, including a joint press conference, underscore the deepening cooperation and collaborative spirit between the military leadership of the two nations, setting a positive backdrop for General Pande’s current visit to the United States,” the ministry said.

The ministry said that COAS’s visit is another milestone in the Indo-US defence relationship, reflecting a mutual desire to enhance military collaboration, exchange strategic perspectives on global threat perceptions, and work together toward future force development and modernisation.

“The engagements between General Manoj Pande and senior leadership of the United States Army are poised to yield substantive outcomes, fostering an environment conducive to shared security interests and defence cooperation,” the ministry said.

ALSO READ-Pak Army chief backs Sharif’s call to form coalition govt

Categories
-Top News Europe Nepal

Nepali Deaths in Russian Army Rise to Seven

The Nepal government doesn’t permit Nepali nationals to serve in foreign armies besides in India and the United Kingdom. But that hasn’t stopped Nepali youths from enrolling individually in the militaries of several other countries…reports Asian Lite News

With the announcement of the killing of an additional Nepali national, a total of seven Nepali nationals have been killed while serving in the Russian Army, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry had informed that at least six Nepali nationals serving in the Russian Army have been killed while fighting Ukrainian forces and it is estimated that around 200 Nepali nationals are serving as mercenaries in Putin’s army since the war broke out between Russia and Ukraine some 22 months back.

A Nepali national serving in the Russian Army named, Kundan Singh Nagal, bearer of passport number 09473632 who was serving in the Russian Army, has been killed, said a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

“The ministry has urged the Nepali Ambassador in Russia to initiate sending back the dead bodies of Nepali nationals as soon as possible and reimburse the compensation to the family members of those who were killed and injured during the war,” said the statement.

Meanwhile, the Nepal government once again urged the government of Russia not to recruit Nepali nationals in its army and send back those who are serving there through its Ambassador, said a ministry’s statement.

Since there is no official record as to how many Nepali nationals are serving in the Russian Army, the Foreign Ministry also asked the Russian government to provide details about numbers, including those injured and their status, the statement added.

The Nepal government doesn’t permit Nepali nationals to serve in foreign armies besides in India and the United Kingdom. But that hasn’t stopped Nepali youths from enrolling individually in the militaries of several other countries.

There are also reports that some Nepali nationals are serving in the Ukraine Army too, but the government does not have their details. The government has also asked the Russian government to repatriate Nepalis currently serving in Russian forces as soon as possible, according to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry said that four Nepali nationals serving in the Russian Army as mercenaries have been taken hostage by the Ukrainian Army as it released their names and addresses.

After the Nepal government requested the Ukrainian government to release the hostages, the Ukrainian authorities have set some conditions for their release, the ministry said without sharing details about the conditions put by Kiev.

During a recent briefing to the Nepali media by the Foreign Ministry and Nepali Ambassador to Russia, Milan Raj Tuladhar, it was said that Nepali nationals were being lured with promises of big money and were mostly smuggled into Russia, with each individual paying up to Rs 1 million to the ‘agents’.

On August 1, the Foreign Ministry had issued a statement urging Nepali citizens not to join foreign armies in war-torn countries.

“The attention of the ministry has been drawn to the news in social networking sites that Nepali citizens have joined foreign armies,” said the statement, adding, “The policy of the Nepal government does not allow Nepali citizens to join foreign armies except for the fact that Nepali citizens are being recruited in the national armies of some friendly countries as per the traditional agreement reached between Nepal and those countries.”

With the help of human traffickers, many Nepalis have reached Russia on student and tourist visas and joined its army.

Earlier in May, Russia had paved the way for recruiting foreign nationals in its army following a decree by President Vladimir Putin.

According to an internal report the Nepal Embassy in Moscow sent to the Foreign Ministry, there has been a big surge of Nepali population in Russia and many among them have joined the armed forces following the presidential decree.

The ministry has also urged the public not to make non-essential travel to Russia, except in the case of individuals with government-related tasks, recipients of Russian government scholarships, and those engaged in business or work in Russia.

If there is a need to travel to Russia, the ministry has urged individuals to obtain a no objection certificate (NOC) from its Tripureshwar-based Consular Department.

ALSO READ-Jaishankar Heads to Nepal for Joint Commission Meeting

Categories
Books Lite Blogs

New Book Exposes Complex Web of Terror Financing in Kashmir

The author conducted interviews with experts, internal stakeholders, intelligence officials, police and administrative officers, academics and journalists…reports Asian Lite News

As the Indian Army and agencies work hard to end the scourge of terrorism from Kashmir, the book, ‘Terror Financing in Kashmir’ authored by Abhinav Pandya released recently delves deep into the intricacies of how terror funds are generated by the terror organisation and used against India.

Abhinav Pandya completed his PhD on terrorism and counterterrorism in Jammu and Kashmir from OP Jindal Global University.
The book analyses the layered and complex web of terror financing in Kashmir and examines the role of multiple actors, including formal and informal, state and non-state, profit and non-profit, and local and international, to delineate the various strands of an intricate financial system.

It explains how, over time, these sophisticated networks have largely remained elusive to Indian counter-terrorism agencies and the need for a specialised and focused effort to understand it.In the book, which is written with the gathered data from interviews with confidential sources within terror networks as well as input and intelligence from security agencies on the ground, the author lays the groundwork for a robust counter-terrorism strategy in Kashmir.

The author conducted interviews with experts, internal stakeholders, intelligence officials, police and administrative officers, academics and journalists. Interestingly, even the over-ground workers (OGWs), members of separatist groups, terror financing coordinators, former militants, weapon dealers, drug smugglers, and hawala operators were also interviewed for details on terror financing.

This book also discusses the channels used for terror financing, including the Line of Control (LoC) trade between both nations, which was suspended in 2019. The author noted the terror funding sources used in Jammu and Kashmir to run terror groups and mentioned in the book fake currency printed in Pakistan, the collection of donations in some Middle Eastern countries, the US, and European countries under the name of ‘Jihad Fund’, smuggling drugs, and extortion from traders, contractors, and affluent people in J&K.

It also highlighted the money sent allegedly by Pakistani intelligence agencies to militant and secessionist groups operating in J&K, mainly through hawala and drug dealers; funds sent by some Kashmiri businessmen dealing in carpets and handicrafts in Dubai; hawala dealers in Mumbai and Delhi; and Zakat (an Islamic tax); and donations raised by terror groups in Pakistan. The Author also mentioned Haj tours, MBBS seat rackets, the Trans Line of Control (LoC) and legitimate businesses used for funding terrorism.

The book highlights: “While mentioning the distinct features of Kashmir’s terror financing, it is crucial to discuss Pakistan’s extraneous geopolitical objectives. By funding and supporting Kashmir’s proxy war theatre, Pakistan wants to bleed India economically. For Pakistan, it takes hardly INR (Rs) 1,50,000 to Rs 2,00,000 to train, send and sustain a terrorist. The amount spent by India on J&K’s security infrastructure in one day far outweighs the amount spent by Pakistan. India maintains 3,43,000 security personnel in Kashmir… one can imagine the amount which India spends to deal with 250-300 Pak-sponsored militants”.
Before the abrogation of Article 370, the proxy fronts of groups such as Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and others had the Kashmir valley under the grip of their terror, the book said. In today’s Kashmir, one can also find the presence of local affiliates of Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, aspiring to bring Sharia rule to Kashmir.
The author, has also discussed the growth and evolution of Pakistan’s proxy war in Kashmir over the last three decades; however, the prime focus has remained on the terror financing aspect.

ALSO READ-Special Screening of ‘Bay of Blood’

Categories
-Top News India News

Indian Army Chief Embarks on Official Visit to S. Korea

General Manoj Pande will also visit the National Cemetery and War Memorial and lay wreaths in remembrance of the fallen heroes…reports Asian Lite News

General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) proceeded on an official visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Sunday.

The aim of the visit is to further reinforce the robust defence ties between the two nations. The visit commences on November 20, a momentous day in the history of India-ROK relations, the Ministry of Defence stated.

On November 20, 1950, 73 years back, 60 Para Field Ambulances of the Indian Army landed in Busan to provide much-needed medical support during the Korean War.

The Ministry further stated that the itinerary of the COAS includes interactions with the senior military leadership of the ROK and visits to defence formations and establishments.

The key highlights of the tour include a bilateral meeting with General Park An-su, Chief of Staff, of the ROK Army and a dialogue with General Kim Seung-kyum, Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff of ROK Armed Forces.

The interactions will be aimed at fostering mutual understanding, exchanging views on the regional security situation and contributing to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, it added.

General Manoj Pande will also visit the National Cemetery and War Memorial and lay wreaths in remembrance of the fallen heroes.

He will pay a special visit to the Indian Section of the War Memorial in honour of the Indian soldiers who played a significant role in the Korean War, the Ministry said.

The COAS is scheduled to visit establishments such as the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA), the Korean Army Centre for Future and Innovation (KARCFI) and the Agency for Defence Development at Daejeon.

He will receive briefings on issues of mutual interest and also visit a Drone Combat Unit. In addition, a tour of the Border Management and Surveillance Facility is also planned, it added.

India and ROK celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties in 2023. This visit underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen the special strategic partnership.

Demonstrating the enduring camaraderie that has flourished between India and the ROK over the years, the visit will further boost bilateral cooperation on a host of strategic issues particularly in defence collaboration. (ANI)

ALSO READ-US Defense Secretary Reaffirms Commitment in Joint Drills with South Korea

Categories
Defence India News

Hermes 900 Drones to Boost Indian Army’s Surveillance Capabilities

The Indian Army recently inducted the Heron Mark 2 drones which can be equipped with strike capabilities in the northern sector…reports Asian Lite News

The induction of the Heron Mark-2 drones along with the planned induction of the Hermes-900 drones is set to boost the surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of the Indian Army.

“Induction of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Heron MK II and planned induction of Hermes 900 Starliners will not only boost the reconnaissance and surveillance capability of the Indian Army but also their teaming with combat helicopters, which will prove to be a game changer in the third dimension,” Army sources said.

The transfer of these remotely piloted aircraft has further enhanced the Army’s surveillance as well as strike capability and transformed Army Aviation into a potent force multiplier capable of operating in the Combined Combat Teams concept and performing varied tasks across the varied terrain of our country, they said.

The Indian Army recently inducted the Heron Mark 2 drones which can be equipped with strike capabilities in the northern sector, and have the older version of these unmanned aircraft at various locations across the country.

The sources further informed that the role of women officers has been steadily increasing in Army Aviation.

“Women officers were first inducted into the Air Traffic Control stream of Army Aviation in May 2009, followed by the posting of Women Officers of the EME as Engineering Officers in Army Aviation Units,” they said.

The onerous task of ensuring the maintenance, servicing and logistics aspects of Army Aviation are being performed at par with their gentlemen comrades in this stream as well.

Having smoothly inducted the women officers into the ATC and the Engineering Officer streams, it was a natural progression to induct Women Officers as Army Aviators.

Presently, two women officers are already serving as pilots in Army Aviation and three are undergoing training. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Army to set up more aviation brigades along Pak, China borders

Categories
-Top News Africa News

Somalian Army killed 1,650 al-Shabab militants in 2 months

The government troops have intensified offensive against the terrorists since last year, when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared an “all-out war” on the terrorist group…reports Asian News

The Somali National Army (SNA) has killed 1,650 al-Shabab militants and injured more than 550 others during military offensives in Galmudug and Hirshabelle states in central Somalia in the last two months, the government said.

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism said on Wednesday that the troops, in partnership with local forces and international partners, destroyed the militants’ strongholds, forcing many to surrender to the authorities.

“The Somali Army, with the support of international partners, made military achievements against terrorists in areas under Galmudug and Hirshabelle states. Senior al-Shabab commanders were among those killed, injured, or surrendered during the operations in the past two months,” the Ministry said in a statement issued in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.

The government troops have intensified offensive against the terrorists since last year, when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared an “all-out war” on the terrorist group.

Meanwhile, More than 100 al-Shabab terrorists were killed in the deadly clashes between the Somali National Army (SNA) backed by regional Galmudug forces and the militants, a government official confirmed.

Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Daud Aweis Jama told a media briefing in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Thursday that the number of al-Shabab fighters who sustained injuries is more than those killed during clashes in the Mudug region.

Aweis said the allied forces also destroyed weapons, military equipment, and the group’s hideout base in the forest, which they used to launch attacks in the region, Xinhua news agency reported.

“The militants had sought refuge in the dense forests of the Mudug region, where they wanted to establish a stronghold. However, the combined forces launched a relentless offensive, successfully dislodging the militants from their intended sanctuary,” he added.

The Minister said another military operation is underway at a forest in the Mahaday district to flush out the terrorists who have been hiding in the jungle.

He added the government forces backed by the local forces and international partners have sustained an onslaught against the militant in the past two months, killing more than 1,650 al-Shabab fighters and injuring more than 550 others during military offensive in Galmudug and Hirshabelle.

Somalia has been beset by terror incidents for many years with the main threats originating from al-Shabab militants who have engaged government forces in near-daily attacks.

The Somali army, backed by local militias and international partners, has been engaged in a sustained offensive against al-Shabab since last year when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared “all-out war” on the terrorist group.

ALSO READ-EU holds back food aid in Somalia

Categories
-Top News Africa News

10 killed in clashes between army and civilians in South Sudan

In June, the same armed Anyuak youth killed Samuel Ojulu Ochalla, the former commissioner of Pochalla County, after they rejected his appointment…reports Asian Lite News

At least ten civilians and security officers have been killed following two days of clashes in Pochalla town of Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) in eastern South Sudan, the army has said.

Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the South Sudanese army, told Xinhua news agency on Tuesday that the clashes that broke out on Sunday started after the army pursued an officer who had escaped detention.

He said the escapee had gone into hiding at the home of his former commander, Okony Okwom Othow, who had himself absconded from duty in May after refusing orders to deploy him to another station.

“Whenever a soldier commits a crime or disobeys lawful orders, he would go and report to Okwom. So on Sunday, there was a soldier that sold ammunition and guns and was arrested; that soldier escaped from prison and reported to his (Okwom) area,” Koang said in an interview on Tuesday in the South Sudanese capital of Juba.

He disclosed that clashes erupted on Sunday evening till Monday when soldiers were dispatched to re-arrest their colleague who had escaped detention.

“They were attacked by armed Anyuak youth supporting the former commander who was later killed; that angered the armed youth who on Monday came in large numbers and attacked our position, but they were repelled,” Koang said.

In June, the same armed Anyuak youth killed Samuel Ojulu Ochalla, the former commissioner of Pochalla County, after they rejected his appointment.

The GPAA, which borders Ethiopia, is prone to inter-communal violence, particularly between the pastoral tribe of Murle and the Dinka and Nuer tribes in neighbouring Jonglei State.

The violence is often characterized by looting of cattle, revenge killings, and women and child abduction.

ALSO READ-UN Envoy Volker Perthes Steps Down from Role in Sudan

Categories
-Top News Bangladesh

Bangladesh Army chief meets top defence brass in India

Bangladesh Army Chief General Ahmed received a Guard of Honour at South Block lawns in Delhi…reports Asian Lite News

Bangladesh Army Chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed who’s on a three-day visit to India laid a wreath to the war heroes at the National War Memorial in Delhi on Thursday, officials said.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande on Thursday held a meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed and discussed anti-terrorism collaboration and ways to strengthen the defence cooperation between the two nations. General Pande and General Ahmed also signed an implementing arrangement for the training of Peacekeepers deployed in the United Nations.

Taking to its official Twitter handle, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army) stated, “General Manoj Pande #COAS extended a warm welcome to General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed #COAS, #Bangladesh Army and discussed ways to further strengthen the #DefenceCooperation between the two Armies.”

In another tweet, he said, “An Implementing Arrangement for training of Peacekeepers deployed in United Nations #Peacekeeping operations was also signed in presence of both the Chiefs.”

In another tweet, IHQ of MoD (Army) stated, “General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff #COAS, #BangladeshArmy, laid a wreath at National War Memorial #NWM & received a Guard of Honour at the #SouthBlock. The General Officer is on a three-day visit to #India.”

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Bangladesh Army Chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed also held discussions on issues of bilateral and regional interest, as well as avenues to further build upon the historic defence ties between the armed forces of two countries.

Earlier yesterday, Bangladesh Army Chief General Ahmed received a Guard of Honour at South Block lawns in Delhi.

General Ahmed is the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade at Officers Training Academy, Chennai scheduled on April 29. He will visit the Officers Training Academy Museum and interact with the cadets of the passing out course.

The Ministry of Defence said that India and Bangladesh share the historical legacy of cooperation and support during the Liberation War of 1971. The active engagement on the defence side includes high-level exchanges at the level of Service Chiefs, conduct of the inaugural Annual Defence Dialogues by the Defence Secretaries, Tri-services and Service-specific Staff Talks.

The exchange visits of Bangladesh Mukti Jodhas and Indian war veterans take place every year in December to mark the Victory Day celebrations in Dhaka and Kolkata, the ministry officials added.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Bangladesh share bonds of history, language, culture, and a multitude of other commonalities. The ties between the two nations reflect an all-encompassing partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust, and understanding that goes far beyond a strategic partnership. (ANI)

ALSO READ-ADB lends $230 mn for flood rehabilitation in Bangladesh

Categories
-Top News Africa News India News

25 Armies from Africa to attend India-Africa Conclave

Along with the India-Africa chiefs’ conclave, the second iteration of Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX) will also be held from March 21…reports Asian Lite News

Armies of 25 African countries will attend the India-Africa Chiefs Conclave in Pune on March 28, a senior Indian Army official said.

In the two sessions from the Indian side, the participants, including senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs and the Services, as well as ex-Servicemen, will also attend the conclave. “The first session will explore the key pillars of India Africa Defence Partnership. The second session will focus on Indian Defence Industry’s Outreach to Africa. Eminent speakers from Africa will form part of the panel discussion,” the Army offical said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is also scheduled to attend the conclave and deliver an address.

African army chiefs from the Republic of Congo, Niger, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Uganda, Seychelles, Gambia, Tanzania and Kenya have confirmed their participation at the event.

Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Rwanda, Eswatini (Swaziland), Morocco, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Ethiopia, Central African Republic, Lesotho and Senegal will also send representatives of their army chiefs at the conclave.

Along with the India-Africa chiefs’ conclave, the second iteration of Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX) will also be held from March 21.

A senior Indian Army offical said, “Objective of the exercise is to continue building upon the initiatives taken to strengthen India-Africa relations, with a focus on enhancing peace and security, creating opportunities to exchange ideas and perspectives.”

The offical also stressed that this exercise will help to learn from the African experience in cooperative security and management of security crisis situations, while also promoting a collaborative approach to capacity enhancement of African armies.

AFINDEX exercise will commence on March 21 in Pune and culminate on March 30. The exercise will be divided into four phases.

Initially, the trainers, themselves will be administered training and the same would be followed by a Humanitarian Mine Action and a Peace Keeping Operations Phase.

Finally, a validation exercise will be conducted to assess the results of the training conducted. The validation exercise will be conducted on March 29, with the chiefs of the African armies in attendance.

Senior Army officials stressed that the exercise will involve large-scale use of indigenously-made defence equipment. New generation equipment manufactured in India will be showcased during the exercise in a bid to demonstrate their efficacy to the troops of the participating nations.

For AFINDEX, 9 contingents, with 78 personnel each, will participate in the exercise. These contingents will arrive from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Niger, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Another 11 countries — Botswana, Cameroon, Congo, Egypt, Eswatini / Swaziland, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Zimbabwe and Morocco — will send 21 Observers for AFINDEX.

A defence equipment display will also be organised by the Indian defence manufacturing industry on March 29 in a bid to showcase the defence manufacturing capabilities of the country.

The first Africa-India Field Training Exercise was held in Pune in March 2019. It saw participation from 20 African nations.

The first India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave was held on the sidelines of the DEFEXPO, 2020 in Lucknow.

The Lucknow Declaration, which was adopted at the conclave, laid down the future path of cooperation between India and African nations in the defence space.

The event is important from the perspective of India-Africa relations wherein Army Chief’s and representatives of Chief’s from 21 African countries will be attending the event.

The chief aim of the exercise is to enable the participating contingents to hone their tactical skills, drills and procedures in joint operations for peacekeeping under UN mandate, create synergy and better understanding with armies of African nations and promote Indian defence Industries.

The 10-day long exercise will commence with an opening ceremony at Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune. A comprehensive validation exercise on the theme “Humanitarian Mine Actions and Peace Keeping Operations” under the UN mandate is also scheduled.

The Joint exercise will promote the idea of “Africa-India Militaries for Regional Unity (AMRUT)” and will focus on incorporating the current dynamics of UN peacekeeping operations (UNPKF) through practical and comprehensive discussions and tactical exercise.

The first AFINDEX was held in Pune in March 2019 which saw the participation of 20 African nations. In 2020, the India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave was held on the sidelines of the DEFEXPO in Lucknow.  (ANI)

ALSO READ-Delhi hosts 5-day NCB training for Colombo Security Conclave countries

Categories
-Top News India News

Armies of India & Nepal hold 48-hr gruelling training drill

Joint grueling military training of Indo-Nepal forces lasted for 48 hours

During the exercise, participants will be training together to develop inter-operability and share their experience including Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorist operations and also on Humanitarian Relief operations….reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Army said on Tuesday that troops of Idian Army and Nepali Army participated in a 48-hour long gruelling training, followed by successful validation of counter-terrorism drills on simulated settings, during the ongoing joint exercise in Nepal.

The 16th edition of Indo-Nepal joint military exercise ‘SURYA KIRAN’, which started on December 16, will continue till December 29 at Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi.

“Nepal Army soldiers of Shree Bhawani Baksh Battalion and Indian Army soldiers from the 5 GR will be participating in the exercise. The two armies, through these contingents, shall be sharing the experiences gained during the conduct of various counter-insurgency operations over the years in their respective countries,” Defence Ministry said in a Press statement.

“The joint exercise would focus on evolution of combined drills for planning and conduct of tactical operations at unit level in counter terrorism operations and disaster response mechanism in general and role of armed forces in management of disaster,” it added.

During the exercise, participants will be training together to develop inter-operability and share their experience including Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorist operations and also on Humanitarian Relief operations.

“The joint military exercise will enhance the level of defence cooperation which will further foster the bilateral relations between the two nations,” the Defence Ministry stated.

The exercise between the two Armies is part of ‘Bharat Nepal Maitri’.

Exercise ‘SURYA KIRAN’ is conducted annually between India and Nepal with the aim to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare & counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.

ALSO READ-US lauds Nepal’s commitment to democracy