PUNE: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the cooperation between India and African nations was essential for maritime peace and prosperity, and further urged the African countries to take advantage of India’s defence manufacturing to fulfill their security needs, reports Sandip Dighe.
“India and Africa are maritime neighbours and their cooperation in maritime security, hydrography and countering terrorism and extremism, will be essential,” he said at the India-Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave in Pune. A total of 31 african nations participated in the conclave.
Referring to the ongoing joint India-Africa exercise AFINDEX, Singh said the armed forces’ training programmes cover a wide range of areas, including counter-insurgency operations, peacekeeping, maritime security and specialised training in new domains such as cyber warfare and drone operations. It also encompasses training civilians in areas such as disaster management, humanitarian aid and medical assistance, he added.
The minister also urged the African countries to explore Indian defence equipment and technologies to fulfil their security needs.
Delivering the Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw memorial lecture on ‘Role of Youth in Nation Building, the defence minister later said India had emerged as a leading defence exporter in recent years.
Earlier in the day, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande recalled the contribution of Indian armed forces on various missions in African nations. “Our collective experience can help us prepare for emerging threats. Many African armies have experience in operating in challenging environments and can offer valuable insights ,” he said.
“India and Africa are maritime neighbours and their cooperation in maritime security, hydrography and countering terrorism and extremism, will be essential,” he said at the India-Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave in Pune. A total of 31 african nations participated in the conclave.
Referring to the ongoing joint India-Africa exercise AFINDEX, Singh said the armed forces’ training programmes cover a wide range of areas, including counter-insurgency operations, peacekeeping, maritime security and specialised training in new domains such as cyber warfare and drone operations. It also encompasses training civilians in areas such as disaster management, humanitarian aid and medical assistance, he added.
The minister also urged the African countries to explore Indian defence equipment and technologies to fulfil their security needs.
Delivering the Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw memorial lecture on ‘Role of Youth in Nation Building, the defence minister later said India had emerged as a leading defence exporter in recent years.
Earlier in the day, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande recalled the contribution of Indian armed forces on various missions in African nations. “Our collective experience can help us prepare for emerging threats. Many African armies have experience in operating in challenging environments and can offer valuable insights ,” he said.
