Pune will host a multilateral and multi-agency exercise for the member countries of BIMSTEC between Dec 20 and 22.

The Indian Army is organising a multi-nation disaster management exercise called PANEX 21 with a special focus on relief in the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. PANEX-21 is a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Exercise. It is to be held for the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries- Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and India.

• The main aim of the exercise is to build regional cooperation in responding to natural disasters.
• It is to be conducted in Pune from December 20 to December 22.

How will the exercise be conducted?
• The participants of the exercise will be divided into eight syndicates. One syndicate from the participating countries and two from India.
• It will analyse the capabilities of member states in responding to natural disaster. The exercise will also share best practices.
• The exercise will review the procedures of preparedness and response. It will then recommend the evolution of an organised structure.
• During the exercise, the countries will discuss military – to – military cooperation protocol.