The 8th edition of the India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise Kazind-2024 kicks off on Monday at the Surya Foreign Training Node in Auli, Uttarakhand. The exercise is scheduled from 30 September to 13 October. The purpose of the Joint Exercise is to improve the combined military capabilities of both parties for conducting counter-terrorism operations in a non-conventional setting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The Joint Exercise will concentrate on operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. According to the Defence Ministry, the objectives of the exercise include achieving a high level of physical fitness, practising and perfecting drills for tactical-level operations, and sharing best practices.
The Indian Armed Forces, comprising 120 personnel, are represented by a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army, along with other arms and services and personnel from the Indian Air Force. The Kazakhstan contingent will mainly consist of personnel from the Land Forces and Airborne Assault Troopers.
The tactical drills to be rehearsed during the joint exercise include the joint response to terrorist actions, the establishment of a joint command post, the establishment of an intelligence and surveillance centre, securing of a helipad/landing site, combat free fall, special heliborne operations, cordon and search operations, and the deployment of drones and counter-drone systems, among others.
The exercise will allow both sides to share best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations. It will facilitate the development of interoperability, camaraderie, and goodwill between the two armies. The statement said the joint exercise will also enhance defence cooperation, further strengthening bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
Kazind has been held annually since 2016, with the last edition taking place in Otar, Kazakhstan, from 30 October to 11 November 2023.
Team BharatShakti
