India to Host the First-ever India-Africa Chiefs Conclave

As many as 22 Army Chiefs and representatives of Army Chiefs from 12 nations will participate in the conclave, which will be hosted by Army Chief General Manoj Pande. The event will also be attended by senior officers from the services and officials from the ministries of Defence and External Affairs. Participants from Congo, Niger, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Uganda, Seychelles, Gambia, Tanzania, and Kenya have already confirmed their participation, and representatives of military heads from 12 nations will also attend. Additionally, the second edition of Africa-India Exercise (AFINDEX-2023), which will see contingents from over 20 countries, will take place from 21-29 March. The number of participants in the conclave and the military exercise may increase, and India has invited all 54 African countries to attend the exercise. The objective of the initiatives is to strengthen India-Africa relations, focusing on enhancing peace and security, exchanging ideas and perspectives, and promoting a collaborative approach in capacity enhancement of African armies. The 28 March conclave will take place over two sessions, exploring the key pillars of India-Africa defence partnership in the first session and focusing on the Indian defence industry's outreach to Africa in the second session. Eminent speakers from Africa will be part of the panel discussion, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to attend the conclave and deliver an address. An exhibition of indigenous military equipment and platforms will be organised on the concluding day of the exercise, showcasing India's manufacturing capabilities to the African delegates.