The 8th edition of the India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise, KAZIND-2024, commenced today at the Surya Foreign Training Node in Auli, Uttarakhand. This exercise is scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 13, 2024.
History of the Exercise
KAZIND has been held annually since 2016, with the last edition taking place in Otar, Kazakhstan, from October 30 to November 11, 2023.
Participating Forces
- Indian Armed Forces: The Indian contingent includes 120 personnel, primarily from a battalion of the KUMAON Regiment of the Indian Army, as well as additional arms and services and personnel from the Indian Air Force.
- Kazakhstan Contingent: This will mainly consist of personnel from the Land Forces and Airborne Assault Troopers.
Objectives of KAZIND-2024
The main aim of the joint exercise is to enhance the military capabilities of both nations in counter-terrorism operations within a sub-conventional scenario, as outlined in Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise will focus on operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains.
Specific Objectives
- Achieving a high degree of physical fitness
- Rehearsing and refining tactical level operations
- Sharing best practices among participating forces
Tactical Drills
The following tactical drills will be rehearsed during the exercise:
- Joint response to a terrorist action
- Establishment of a Joint Command Post
- Setting up an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre
- Securing a helipad or landing site
- Conducting combat free fall and special heliborne operations
- Executing cordon and search operations
- Employing drones and counter-drone systems
Importance of the Exercise
KAZIND-2024 aims to:
- Foster sharing of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations.
- Develop interoperability, camaraderie, and bonhomie between the Indian and Kazakh armies.
- Enhance defense cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary aim of the KAZIND-2024 exercise?
- A) To conduct joint military parades
- B) To enhance joint military capabilities for counter-terrorism operations
- C) To focus on humanitarian missions
- D) To improve individual fitness of soldiers
Answer: B) To enhance joint military capabilities for counter-terrorism operations
- Where is the KAZIND-2024 exercise taking place?
- A) Otar, Kazakhstan
- B) Auli, Uttarakhand
- C) New Delhi, India
- D) Almaty, Kazakhstan
Answer: B) Auli, Uttarakhand
- How many personnel are representing the Indian Armed Forces in KAZIND-2024?
- A) 100
- B) 150
- C) 120
- D) 200
Answer: C) 120
- Which regiment from the Indian Army is participating in the exercise?
- A) Gorkha Regiment
- B) KUMAON Regiment
- C) Rajputana Rifles
- D) Jat Regiment
Answer: B) KUMAON Regiment
- When was the last edition of the KAZIND exercise held?
- A) September 2024
- B) October-November 2023
- C) November 2022
- D) October 2021
Answer: B) October-November 2023