Exercises and visits

Indo-Uzbekistan “Ex Dustlik”

The 3rd edition of Indo-Uzbekistan Joint Field Training Exercise “Ex Dustlik” concluded at Yangiarik, Uzbekistan on 29 March 2022. The joint exercise provided an opportunity for both the contingents to train in counter terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment. The last two days of the exercise was dedicated to a validation exercise where both contingents jointly conducted simulated operations over ‘extremist groups’ under a United Nations Mandate. The conduct of this exercise, which covered a vast spectrum from cross training and combat conditioning in field conditions, to sports and cultural exchanges was a grand success. The exercise will “enhance the level of defence cooperation between both the Armies and will act as a catalyst for many such joint programmes in future to further consolidate the traditional bond of friendship between India and Uzbekistan”.

Seychelles and Lamitiye 2022

The 9th Joint Military Exercise Lamitiye-2022 between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) was conducted at Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA), Seychelles from 22-31 March 2022. An Infantry Platoon strength each from both the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) along with Company Headquarters participated in this exercise which was aimed at sharing experiences gained during various operations against hostile forces in semi-urban environment and enhance capability to undertake joint operations. The Indian Army contingent comprising troops from the 2/3 Gorkha Rifles group (Pirkanthi Battalion) arrived at Seychelles on 21 March 2022. Exercise Lamitiye-2022 is a biennial training event which has been conducted in Seychelles since 2001. Notably, in the series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries, Exercise Lamitiye with Seychelles is crucial and significant in terms of security challenges faced by both the Nations in the backdrop of current global situation and growing security concerns in the Indian Ocean Region. The 10 days long joint exercise included field training exercises, combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations and culminated with a two days validation exercise. The objective of the joint training exercise was to build and promote bilateral military relations in addition to exchanging skills, experiences and good practices between both the armies. Both sides jointly train, plan and execute a series of well-developed tactical drills for neutralistion of likely threats that may be encountered in semi urban environment, while exploiting and showcasing new generation equipment and technology for conducting joint operations. Due emphasis was laid on enhancing tactical skills in combating hostile forces in semi-urban environment and on increasing interoperability between forces. The joint military exercise will “enhance the level of defence co-operation between Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) and will further manifest in enhancing the bilateral relations between the two countries”.

UAE army delegation in India

A delegation of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Army was on a six day visit to India from 21 to 26 March 2022. The delegation visited Indian Army training establishments and then attended the Inaugural Army to Army Staff Talks (AAST). The aim of the visit was to enhance defence cooperation engagements between the two armies. The UAE Army delegation visited Army establishments in Maharashtra and included School of Artillery, Armoured Corps Centre & School, Mechanised Infantry Centre & School, National Defence Academy, Command Hospital of Southern Command, Army Institute of Physical Training, Military Intelligence School & Depot and Bombay Engineers Group & Centre. The delegation also visited Larsen & Toubro Limited and Tata Motors Limited at Pune.

Offshore security Exercise Prasthan

An offshore security exercise, ‘Prasthan’ was conducted in the Offshore Development Area (ODA) off Mumbai on 23 March 2022 under the aegis of Headquarters, Western Naval Command. Conducted every six months, this exercise is an important element of ensuring offshore security and aims to integrate efforts of all maritime stakeholders involved in offshore defence. Led by the Navy, the exercise saw participation from the Indian Air Force, Coast Guard, ONGC, Mumbai Port Trust, Jawahar Lal Nehru Port Trust, Customs, state fisheries department, Mercantile Marine Department and the Marine Police. The day-long exercise resulted in refining standard operating procedures (SOPs) and response-actions to a number of contingencies in the Offshore Defence Area off Mumbai. The exercise was conducted on the B-193 platform of ONGC located about 38 nm west of Mumbai. Contingencies such as terrorist intrusion, bomb explosion, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, man overboard, major fire, oil spill and mass evacuation were exercised. Earlier, on 17 March 2022, loss of control of an OSV that necessitated towing by an Emergency Towing Vessel was also exercised. The exercise provided all stakeholders a realistic experience to assess their readiness to respond and combat contingencies in the Western ODA, as also to operate together in a coordinated and synergised manner.

IA exercise at Pokhran

The Indian Army conducted an airborne exercise at Pokaran on 1 April 2022 to validate its Rapid Response capabilities along the Western Front. The Exercise included combat free fall jumps with Guided Precision Aerial Delivery System GPADS and battle drills in a simulated hostile mechanised environment. 

India-Australia coordinated operations

On 12 April 2022, a P8I Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft of the Indian Navy arrived at Darwin, Australia. The aircraft and its crew undertook an operational turnaround at Darwin. During its stay, the team from the Indian Navy’s maritime patrol squadron, Albatross, engaged with its counterparts from the 92 Wing of the Royal Australian Air Force. P8’s from both countries conducted coordinated operations in Anti-Submarine Warfare and surface surveillance to enhance maritime domain awareness. In recent times, increased interaction between the two maritime nations, through bilateral and multilateral exercises at sea, has enhanced inter-operability and fostered bridges of friendship. The P8 aircraft, with their demonstrated long reach, have operated jointly during Malabar and AUSINDEX series of exercises, and have a common understanding of operating procedures and information sharing. The maritime waters between Indonesia and Northern Australia is an area of mutual interest to both countries, being a gateway into the Indian Ocean Region. Both India and Australia share strategic interests, “promoting a free and open Indo- Pacific and rules based order in the region”.