Inaugural edition of Africa-India field training exercise culminates

The inaugural edition of the Africa-India Field Training Exercise-2019 (AFINDEX-19) culminated on Wednesday after a validation exercise and a closing ceremony at Aundh Military Station here.

General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff witnessed the closing ceremony along with other dignitaries including senior military officers of the Indian Army and representatives of 17 African nations namely Benin, Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Indian contingent was represented by MARATHA Light Infantry (Jangi Paltan). The validation exercise showcased various drills which included protection of civilians, establishment of standing combat deployment, convoy protection, patrolling aspects and neutralisation of improvised explosive devices which were practiced as part of joint exercise for the past 10 days.

The exercise was also attended by observers from three African nations i.e. Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Mozambique.

General Rawat and other senior army officers witnessed more than 11 categories of indigenously developed defence related equipment displayed by various agencies to include Ordnance Factories, Defence and Research Development Organisation (DRDO), leading private sector companies and startups to showcase some of the latest weapon systems and vehicles produced indigenously.

During the closing address, General Bipin Rawat brought out that the exercise has been a grand success with the troops of all participating nations showing impeccable training standards and mutual cooperation.