India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise KAZIND-2024 Kicks Off

The Indian Armed Forces are represented by a battalion from the KUMAON Regiment, comprising 120 personnel, along with members from various arms and services, including the Indian Air Force.

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 run from September 30 to October 13, 2024, continuing a tradition that began in 2016. The last iteration of this joint exercise took place in Otar, Kazakhstan, from October 30 to November 11, 2023.

The Indian Armed Forces are represented by a battalion from the KUMAON Regiment, comprising 120 personnel, along with members from various arms and services, including the Indian Air Force. The Kazakhstan contingent primarily includes personnel from the Land Forces and Airborne Assault Troopers.

Objectives and Focus Areas

The primary goal of KAZIND-2024 is to enhance the joint military capabilities of both nations for conducting counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional context, in line with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise will specifically address operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains. Key objectives include:

Achieving a high level of physical fitness among troops.

Rehearsing and refining tactical drills for operations.

Sharing best practices between the two armies.

Tactical Drills and Operations

The exercise will cover a range of tactical drills, including:

Joint response to terrorist actions.

Establishment of a Joint Command Post.

Creation of an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre.

Securing helipads and landing sites.

Combat free fall and special heliborne operations.

Cordon and search operations.

Utilization of drones and counter-drone systems.

KAZIND-2024 will foster greater interoperability, camaraderie, and cooperation between the two armies, ultimately strengthening defence collaboration and enhancing bilateral relations between India and Kazakhstan.