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Kazind Exercise 2023: India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise Levels Up Counterterrorism Cooperation
The Kazind Exercise: Enhancing India-Kazakhstan Defence Cooperation
India and Kazakhstan have been strategic partners since 2009. As part of this partnership, the two countries have conducted joint military exercises called Kazind since 2016. This has emerged as an important platform for defence cooperation between the two nations.
Kazind Exercise Overview
| Sections | Details |
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| Exercise Overview |
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| Evolution |
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| Key Highlights of Kazind 2023 |
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| Strategic Significance |
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| Takeaways for India |
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Background of India-Kazakhstan Ties
India recognised Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991 soon after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Diplomatic relations were established in 1992. The two countries have actively cooperated in multilateral forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Kazakhstan is India’s largest trade and investment partner in Central Asia. It was one of the first countries to sign civil nuclear cooperation and uranium deals with India. The India-Kazakhstan Inter-Governmental Commission formed in 1993 oversees economic and cultural exchanges.
Origin and Evolution of Kazind
The joint exercise was originally called Prabal Dostyk when it began in 2016. After the second edition, it was upgraded to a company-level exercise and renamed as Kazind, which is a combination of Kazakhstan and India.
The latest 2023 edition is the seventh so far. For the first time, the Air Force components of both nations are also participating, making it a bi-service exercise.
Key Details of the Exercise
The Kazind exercise alternates between India and Kazakhstan each year. The 2023 edition is being held at the Otar military base in Kazakhstan from October 30 to November 11.
The Indian contingent comprises 90 personnel from the Dogra Regiment led by a battalion commander. Kazakhstan’s team is from its Regional Command South. Each nation has sent 30 Air Force personnel as well.
The focus is on counterterrorism operations under a United Nations mandate. This involves joint training in raids, search and destroy missions, urban combat drills, and counter-drone operations.
Significance of the Exercise
The Kazind exercise allows both militaries to improve their counterterrorism skills and interoperability for combined operations. It strengthens the India-Kazakhstan strategic partnership in the defence domain.
For India, it provides an opportunity to engage with Central Asian geopolitics and understand regional military capabilities. As Kazakhstan shares borders with Russia and China, this exercise gives India exposure to a crucial region.
It supports India’s Act East policy and growing engagement with Central Asia. As a major regional power, India can utilize such exercises to project itself as a security provider in Kazakhstan’s extended neighborhood.
Key Takeaways for India
The exercise provides realistic training to Indian soldiers in counterterrorism and urban warfare. These skills are relevant given the security challenges faced by India.
Exposure to unfamiliar terrain, climate, and the Kazakh military’s capabilities will be instructive for Indian forces. It also allows India’s forces to demonstrate their own strengths.
Strategically, it signals India’s presence and influence in Central Asia, a region of growing importance. As China expands its footprint, India needs to expand its own partnerships.
Building defence ties with Kazakhstan allows India to diversify its strategic relationships. It reduces dependence on any one partner for security cooperation.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Kazind exercise has emerged as an important platform for India and Kazakhstan to boost their defence partnership. It provides both sides an opportunity to enhance military capabilities, gain regional exposure and project their influence. For India, it supports wider strategic objectives. As the exercise expands, it will cement India-Kazakhstan ties further.
