India to be part of 17-nation drill in Australia

New Delhi, August 1

India will be among the 17 nations scheduled to carry out a three-week-long military exercise in the Northern Territory of Australia. Over 100 aircraft and 2,500 military personnel will be part of the drill.

Named “Pitch Black 2022”, the exercise will be held between August 19 and September 8. The event is being conducted after a four-year hiatus. The participants include the US, India, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Netherlands, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE and the UK. All Quadrilateral countries – India, Japan, Australia and the US — are on the list. Key NATO countries like the UK, France and Germany will also be part of the event.

Meanwhile, Indian stealth frigate INS Tarkash conducted a maritime partnership exercise with French warships in the North Atlantic Ocean last week. — TNS

‘Pitch Black’

• ”Pitch Black” will be held between August 19 and September 8 in the Northern Territory of Australia
• Over 100 aircraft and 2,500 military personnel will take part in the exercise