Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam(Sanskrit: वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्) or "The World Is One Family",or all living beings on the earth are a family has been the favourite theme of Prime Minster Shree Narendra Modi all along. The theme and the logo for India’s G20 Presidency is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth-One Family-One Future.”The Bhagvad Gita, calls the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam as the "Loftiest Vedantic Thought."
Second Africa-India joint military exercise is a key element of India's diplomatic ties with African countries. As many as 24 African militaries are represented by their contingents or teams of observers.
The inaugural event of the second edition of the Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX 2023) began at the Foreign Training Node at Aundh Military Station in Pune. The 10-day exercise will focus on Humanitarian Mine Assistance and United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
The Idea Of Africa-India Militaries For Regional Unity (AMRUT)
The multinational military drill will promote the idea of Africa-India Militaries for Regional Unity (AMRUT) and will focus on incorporating the current dynamics of UN Peacekeeping Forces (UNPKF) through practical and comprehensive discussions and tactical exercises.
The collective effort will also focus on achieving the desired interoperability and cohesive operational ability of the troops from all participating nations.
Hosting Important India-Africa Army Chiefs Conclave On 28, 29 March
Pune will also host the strategically significant India-Africa Army Chiefs Conclave, on March 28 and 29. The conclave will include talks by renowned speakers on India-Africa Defence partnership.
The participating nations will also be give an exposure to the Indian Defence Industry and the ongoing impetus under various mechanism like “Make in India” & “Aatmnirbhar Bharat”. Visit and interaction with various Defence production / Industries and African representatives is also planned during the conclave. Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will be the Chief guest for the occasion and will be addressing the conclave.
The defence and strategic ties with the African continent is crucial amid China's growing attempt to expand its footprint in the continent in the last few years,giving them loans which they cant repay.
Security Threats To African countries
There are several security challenges faced by African countries. Overcoming these challenges requires a comprehensive approach where Indian role is important.
1. Terrorism and violent extremism: Many African countries are affected by terrorism and violent extremism, including groups such as Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, and ISIS. These groups often target civilians, infrastructure, and government officials, causing widespread fear and instability.
2. Conflicts and civil wars: Many African countries have experienced civil wars or armed conflicts in recent decades. These conflicts often stem from political or ethnic tensions or religious tensions, and can cause significant humanitarian crises, displacement, and loss of life. Internal conflicts require military intervention.
3. Organized crime: African countries are also affected by various forms of organized crime, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms smuggling.
4. Cyber security : African countries are increasingly vulnerable to cyber security threats, including hacking, identity theft, and ransomware attacks. These threats affect government institutions, businesses, and individuals, and pose a significant risk to national security. Nations are likely to be targeted by state-sponsored cyber espionage, cyber terrorism, and cybercrime.
5. Environmental Security: African countries are also vulnerable to environmental challenges, including climate change, drought, and desertification. Not strictly a conventional security issue but it is a part of multi domain warfare which armies have to fight.
6. Health Security: Not strictly a conventional security issue but it is a part of multi domain warfare which armies have to face and which armies have to fight. Pandemics, epidemics, and other global health issues can have significant economic, social, and security consequences.
7. Border security: African Nations face security challenges related to border control. Countries with weaker border control, face security threats from illegal immigration, trafficking of drugs, arms and human beings, and cross-border terrorism.
8. Economic threats: Internal and External security budget depend exclusively on the state of nations economy, hence economic Warfare is equally important part of multi domain warfare. African Nations are also exposed to economic threats such as financial fraud, money laundering, and trade disputes.
7. Limited resources: African countries often have limited resources to allocate to their defense needs, which can restrict their ability to acquire and maintain modern defense equipment, invest in training and development of their armed forces, and modernize their infrastructure.
8. Insufficient military training and equipment: In many African countries, military personnel do not receive sufficient training or have access to modern equipment, which limits their effectiveness in responding to security threats.
9. Limited international support: African countries struggle to receive the international support necessary to address their defense needs, which can further limit their ability to respond to security threats.
Overcoming Security Challenges of African Countries
Addressing defense challenges in African countries requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both internal and external factors.Defending Africa against various challenges requires a long-term commitment from all stakeholders, as well as a willingness to work together to address common challenges, which is what is being discussed in India-Africa Army Chiefs Conclave at Pune .
1. Strengthening governance ,the rule of law: : Effective governance is critical for addressing security challenges. This includes promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, as well as investing in strong institutions that can respond to challenges quickly and effectively. Security budget depend exclusively on the state of nations economy, hence combating corruption is equally important.
2. Enhancing regional, international cooperation, Promoting dialogue, reconciliation: African countries can work together to share intelligence, coordinate responses, and enhance their collective capacity to prevent and combat security threats. This involves building partnerships with regional and international organizations, such as the African Union, the United Nations, and many others. International agreements and treaties can help to address challenges, such as climate change, nuclear proliferation, and cyber security threats. Encouraging countries to ratify and adhere to these agreements can help to promote African cooperation and reduce the potential for conflicts. They need to promote dialogue and reconciliation in which militaries have an important role.
3. Investing in human development: African countries need to invest in human development, including education, health, and economic empowerment, military training.
4. Strengthening cyber security: African countries need to enhance their cyber security capacity to protect against cyber threats, such as hacking and cyber espionage. This involves building technical capacity, enhancing legal and regulatory frameworks, and promoting cyber security awareness.
5. Investing in technology: Technology can play an essential role in defending the world against various challenges. Investing in new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and advanced sensors, can help to detect and respond to threats more effectively.
Learning from the African experience in Cooperative security and management of security
Learning from the African experience in Cooperative security and management of the security crisis, as well as to promote collaborative approach to capacity enhancement of African armies is important.
What exactly should be the security Action Plan to enhance security of African continent?
A general framework for an action plan to enhance the security of the African continent based on existing research and best practices is required.
Overall, a comprehensive “Security Action Plan For Each African Country” should prioritize building the capacity of African armies, strengthening institutional and legal frameworks, addressing the root causes of insecurity, promoting regional cooperation, and enhancing international partnerships.
It is essential to ensure that all nations benefit from being part of one family.This is what India proposes to do in the second edition of the Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX 2023).
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