In News:

The 8th edition of the India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise, KAZIND-2024, has commenced in Auli, Uttarakhand, running from September 30 to October 13, 2024.

Key Details:

• Joint Exercise KAZIND-2024 has been held annually since 2016.
• Last edition of the Joint Exercise was held at Otar, Kazakhstan from 30th October to 11th November 2023.

Participants:

• India:
  • 120 personnel from KUMAON Regiment of the Indian Army
  • Additional support from other arms and Indian Air Force
• Kazakhstan:
  • Personnel primarily from Land Forces and Airborne Assault Troopers

Aim:

• Enhance joint military capability for counter-terrorism operations
• Focus on sub-conventional scenarios under Chapter VII of the UN Charter

Focus Areas:

• Operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains
• High physical fitness levels
• Rehearsal and refinement of tactical drills
• Sharing best practices

Tactical Drills:

• Joint response to terrorist actions
• Establishment of a Joint Command Post
• Creation of an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre
• Securing helipad/landing sites
• Combat free fall and Special Heliborne Operations
• Cordon and Search operations
• Employment of drones and counter-drone systems

Outcomes Expected:

• Sharing of tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations
• Development of interoperability between the two armies
• Strengthening of bonhomie and camaraderie
• Enhancement of defense cooperation and bilateral relations between India and Kazakhstan.