EXERCISE CINBAX
- The first-ever Joint Tabletop Exercise (CINBAX) between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army officially began on December 1, 2024, at the Foreign Training Node, Pune, India.
- The exercise will run until December 8, 2024, and will involve personnel from both countries’ armies.
- This exercise marks a significant milestone in the defense cooperation between India and Cambodia.
KEY ASPECTS
- Participants:
- The Indian Army contingent consists of 20 personnel from an Infantry Brigade.
- The Cambodian Army contingent also comprises 20 personnel.
- Objective of the Exercise:
- The primary aim of Exercise CINBAX is to wargame the conduct of joint Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which pertains to actions related to threats to international peace and security.
- The exercise will focus on:
- Establishment of a Joint Training Task Force for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
- Planning and execution of CT operations in a complex operational environment.
- Wargaming various contingencies and discussing the use of force multipliers in sub-conventional operations.
- Focus Areas:
- The exercise will include discussions and planning on various aspects of modern warfare and peacekeeping, including:
- Information Operations and Cyber Warfare.
- Hybrid Warfare, which blends conventional and unconventional tactics.
- Logistics and Casualty Management.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
- Exercise Phases:
- Phase-I: Preparations and orientation for conducting CT operations in the context of UN peacekeeping missions.
- Phase-II: Conduct of the Tabletop Exercise, where scenarios will be simulated to test operational coordination.
- Phase-III: Finalization of plans, reviewing the training outcomes, and summarizing the lessons learned.
GOALS
- Enhancing Interoperability: CINBAX aims to improve the operational interoperability between the Indian and Cambodian armed forces.
- This is critical for future peacekeeping missions where both nations may need to collaborate in a multinational force under the UN framework.
- Building Trust and Camaraderie: The exercise is also an opportunity to foster mutual trust, camaraderie, and understanding between the two armies, which are vital for smooth cooperation in joint peacekeeping operations.
- Skill Development: The exercise provides a platform for both armies to engage in situation-based discussions and tactical exercises, helping participants grasp practical aspects of joint operations in a CT environment.
- Promotion of Indigenous Capabilities: The exercise will showcase Indian-made weapons and equipment, reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense production under the Atma Nirbharta
- It also aims to highlight India’s growing defense manufacturing capabilities.
STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE
- Strategic Cooperation: CINBAX is part of India’s broader defense diplomacy efforts to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations, especially Cambodia, which is an important partner in the ASEAN
- This exercise shows the growing defense relationship between the two countries.
- United Nations Peacekeeping Framework: The focus on UN peacekeeping operations reflects the shared commitment of both nations to contributing to international peace and security, particularly in counter-terrorism and peace enforcement operations.
- Strengthening Regional Security: Through joint training and operational planning, this exercise contributes to regional security by enhancing the ability of both armies to respond to emerging threats, particularly in unstable regions.
- Long-term Partnership: CINBAX is expected to pave the way for future defense cooperation, including more complex exercises and collaborative peacekeeping missions.
- It also aligns with India’s goal of enhancing its defense ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
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