Exercise Cinbax from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

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.

• 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.

• 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 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.