“AJEYA WARRIOR – 2023” An Indo-UK Joint Military Exercise
“AJEYA WARRIOR – 2023” An Indo-UK Joint
Military Exercise
Why In News
·
AJEYA
WARRIOR - 2023: The 7th edition of the joint military exercise "AJEYA
WARRIOR-23" is currently underway at Salisbury Plains in the United
Kingdom.
Key Points
·
The
7th edition of the joint military exercise “AJEYA WARRIOR-23” is currently
underway at Salisbury Plains in the United Kingdom from 27 April to 11 May
2023. This biennial training event with the United Kingdom alternates between
the United Kingdom and India, and the last edition was held in Chaubatia,
Uttarakhand in October 2021.
·
The
exercise features soldiers from the 2 Royal Gorkha Rifles from the United
Kingdom and soldiers from the BIHAR Regiment of the Indian Army. The Indian
Army contingent arrived at Brize Norton on 26 April 2023 via an Indian Air
Force C-17 aircraft, bringing indigenous weapons and equipment.
·
The
primary objective of the exercise is to enhance positive military relations,
learn from each other’s best practices, and promote the ability to operate
together in undertaking company-level sub-conventional operations in urban and
semi-urban environments under UN mandate.
·
The
exercise also aims to develop inter-operability, camaraderie, bonhomie, and
friendship between the two armies.
·
The
exercise is comprised of two components: a Command Post Exercise (CPX) at the
Battalion level and a Company-level Field Training Exercise (FTX).
·
Participants
will engage in a variety of missions to test their operational skills in
various simulated situations, showcasing and refining their tactical drills
while learning from each other’s operational experiences.
·
The
exercise marks a significant milestone in defence cooperation between the
Indian Army and the British Army and further fosters bilateral relations
between the two nations.
‘NET Zero’ Innovation Virtual Centre to be jointly created by India-UK
‘NET Zero’ Innovation Virtual Centre to be
jointly created by India-UK
Why In News
·
'NET
Zero' Innovation Virtual Centre: During the India-UK Science & Innovation
Council meeting it was announced that they will collaborate to establish
India-UK "NET Zero" Innovation Virtual Centre.
Key Points
·
During
the India-UK Science & Innovation Council meeting, chaired by Union
Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and attended by UK Minister George Freeman, it was
announced that the two countries will collaborate to establish the India-UK
“NET Zero” Innovation Virtual Centre.
·
Dr
Singh highlighted India’s impressive technological and innovative capabilities,
which have been recognized worldwide, and emphasized that India is on its way
to becoming a major economic force under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
Both leaders emphasized the need for strengthened Science & Technology
cooperation between the two nations.
·
During
his opening statements at the meeting chaired by Co-Chair Minister Freeman, Dr
Jitendra Singh emphasised India’s determination to achieve its Climate Change
and Environmental targets in a timely manner, as the nation is on the fast
track move.
·
He
highlighted the close partnership between India and the UK, demonstrated
through the ambitious ‘Roadmap 2030’, which covers health, science and
technology, trade, education, defence, and climate.
·
The
Indian Minister also lauded the UK’s emergence as India’s second largest
international research and innovation partner under Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s leadership.
·
The
two Ministers appreciated the proposal to establish an India-UK “NET Zero”
Innovation Virtual Center, which aims to unite stakeholders from both nations
to work on key focus areas such as Green Hydrogen as a renewable source and
Decarbonization of manufacturing processes and transport systems.
·
Dr
Jitendra Singh emphasised that energy efficiency and renewable energy are
integral pillars to India’s net zero journey, with initiatives such as the
India Solar Alliance and Clean energy mission spearheading such efforts.
·
He
also underscored the need for further cooperation, especially in light of the
COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed optimism that the India-UK MoU would pave the
way for long-term sustainable growth through expanding and maximizing
cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
·
Finally,
he shared that India’s commitment towards environmental goals involves
consistent efforts towards developing mitigation and monitoring solutions for
environmental pollution while pursuing pathways for reducing carbon emissions.
India-UK
Collaborations:
·
The
collaboration between multiple dimensions, institutions, and agencies in both
India and the UK extends to various areas such as energy security, food and
agriculture, water, climate change, environmental studies, as well as social
and cultural changes.
·
During
the last India UK virtual summit held in May 2021, the Prime Ministers from
both countries emphasized their shared commitment to further partnering in
science, education, research, and innovation.
·
The
Government of India has launched several flagship initiatives, such as the
National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (ICPS), Quantum
Computing and Communication, National Mission on Supercomputing, Electric
Mobility, Green Hydrogen, etc., which offer new opportunities for
collaboration.
·
India
is committed to achieving environmental goals and actively seeks solutions for
environmental pollution and reducing carbon emissions to reach ambitious net
zero targets.
·
The
DST Innovate UK Industrial R&D program’s revival will provide both Indian
and UK academia and industry an opportunity to develop newer products and
processes together for the economic growth of both nations.
·
This
includes the MOES-NEKTON joint research program towards marine biodiversity
exploration and conservation under the Deep Ocean Mission in India and the MOES
and UK Met Office collaboration in Weather and Climate Science.
·
Newer
collaborations for joint R&D Projects between BBSRC-DBT in the area of
farmed animal disease and health & MOES-NERC Call in the area of solid
earth hazards.
·
Minister
Freeman was invited to attend the G20 Research Ministers meeting in Mumbai on
6th July 2023, as India holds the G20 Presidency this year and is organizing a
series of scientific meetings, including Science 20 (S20), Research and
Innovation (RIIG), and Scientific Advisors meetings.
·
The
two Ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the last SIC
meeting held in New Delhi and welcomed further bilateral S&T cooperation
between the two countries.