India is significantly increasing its training programs for foreign military personnel, focusing on cadets and officers from friendly nations in the Gulf, ASEAN region, and Africa, in addition to its neighbors. This initiative aims to foster stronger defence partnerships and enhance military cooperation.
In a notable development, 76 cadets from the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) have embarked on a four-week sea training program at the Indian Navy's Southern Naval Command (SNC) in Kochi. This follows a similar training session for 55 RSNF cadets last year, underscoring the growing defence cooperation between India and Gulf countries.
The training curriculum for the RSNF cadets encompasses basic seamanship skills and simulator-based training in harbor, followed by practical exposure to life at sea. This comprehensive program equips the cadets with essential naval knowledge and expertise.
Furthermore, India's military outreach extends to Africa, where military personnel from 26 countries regularly participate in courses at Indian Army establishments and pre-commissioning training academies. This engagement is significant given China's increasing influence in the region.
The Indian Army trains approximately 3,100 foreign personnel from over 100 countries annually, including around 450 from African nations. Specialized training packages, such as counterinsurgency and jungle warfare courses, are also offered at the Army's Vairengte school in Mizoram.
The Indian Navy also plays a crucial role in this initiative, providing training to at least 300 foreign trainees at its establishments or on board warships at any given time. India has been actively deepening military ties with ASEAN countries as well, further expanding its global defence cooperation network.
This comprehensive approach to training foreign military personnel demonstrates India's commitment to strengthening defence partnerships and fostering regional stability through enhanced military cooperation and knowledge sharing.
