India Committed to Provide Support to African Partner Countries in Defence Matters, Promote Regional Security: Defence Minister

Editor’s Note

The changing nature of warfare, rising conflicts and the never-ending great-power competition has given rise to complex geometries in global geopolitical positioning. The world's future is filled with eternal uncertainty. The advances in technology such as quantum computing. artificial intelligence and digital surveillance have transformed the military worldwide. As a driving force, technology has embedded itself in the power showbiz and has initiated an unprecedented competition between global powers including the emerging middle power. Acquiring innovative power, capacity to invent and adapting fast to new technologies is now a key determinant for all involved in the ongoing power game in the emerging new world order.

Raksha Anirveda’s latest web feature attempts to evaluate and understand the impact of technology in reshaping India's power aspiration through its Indian Armed Forces’ modernisation programme. The featured articles have been diligently curated. These articles analyse Indian Armed Forces’ adoption of innovation and technology. procurement of critical technology to become Aatmanirbhar, adaptability to disruptive and emerging technologies, and its digitisation efforts to emerge as a strong future-ready force. Raksha Anirveda invites esteemed readers - the driving force behind its evolving benchmark to indulge, explore and evaluate the feature presentation. Happy Reading!

Pune: India will continue to work with African nations to promote regional security, foster stability and enhance the defence capabilities together, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on March 28 during the first edition of India-Africa Chiefs’ Conclave.

Aimed at the central theme of ‘Africa-India Militaries for Regional Unity – AMRUT, the conclave organised on the sidelines of second Africa-India Joint Exercise ‘AFINDEX’ in Pune, focused on boosting and improving synergy between militaries of India and African nations as part of a regional cooperation mechanism.

The Defence Minister said, “India is committed to provide support to African partner countries in defence matters, including enhancement of the capability of their Armed Forces.”

Stressing that the full potential of a nation’s progress can be realized only when its security is ensured, the Defence Minister highlighted the need to build robust state structures which can cater to the needs and aspirations of the people.

“Development can only take place in a safe and secure environment. Though many of us have come a long way since our independence, there are many African countries where the capacity building of state systems is still a work in progress,” he said.

Defence Minister Singh said that the joint exercise between India and African countries roll out an excellent opportunity for the Armed Forces to learn from each other, and added that the term ‘INDEX reflects India’s focus on African nations to develop capacities and increase mutual capabilities.

“As maritime neighbours connected by the Indian Ocean, our cooperation in maritime security and hydrography and countering terrorism will be essential for regional peace and prosperity,” said Rajnath Singh.

He stated that the India-Africa partnership drives the South-South cooperation to build a truly multi-polar world order which is more responsive to the aspirations of developing countries.

“We are united by the common goals of eradicating poverty, achieving sustainable development, promoting peace & harmony and improving the quality of life of the people,” he said underlining the India-Africa ties.

Billed to be a major landmark in deep-rooted defence ties between India and African nations, the conclave focussed on joint training and defence cooperation amongst the nations to enhance collaboration in the fields of joint military training and execution of peacekeeping.