The first HADR exercise 'Samvedna' of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in association with South Asian Region nations has started in Kerala.

Introduction:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has commenced its first-ever Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise called 'Samvedna' in Kerala. The exercise is being conducted in collaboration with the South Asian Region nations. HADR exercises are aimed at improving coordination and response mechanisms during natural disasters and other emergencies.

Details:
- The HADR exercise 'Samvedna' is taking place at the Air Force Station in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- The exercise is being conducted from 12th to 14th March 2022.
- It involves the participation of the Indian Air Force along with the air forces of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
- The exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability and coordination among the participating nations in carrying out HADR operations.
- The primary objective of the exercise is to share best practices, knowledge, and experiences in the field of HADR operations.
- It aims to strengthen the capabilities of the participating nations to respond effectively to natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and other emergencies.
- The exercise includes various scenarios simulating disaster situations such as earthquakes, floods, and cyclones.
- The participating air forces will demonstrate their capabilities in conducting search and rescue missions, casualty evacuation, air drop of relief material, and medical aid.
- The exercise also includes tabletop exercises, lectures, and discussions on HADR concepts, lessons learned, and challenges faced during disaster response.
- 'Samvedna' provides an opportunity for the participating nations to enhance their understanding of each other's capabilities and operational procedures.
- It promotes cooperation and coordination among the air forces of the South Asian Region, fostering regional security and stability.

Conclusion:
The first HADR exercise 'Samvedna' of the Indian Air Force in association with South Asian Region nations is a significant step towards strengthening regional cooperation in disaster response and relief operations. By sharing experiences and best practices, the participating nations aim to enhance their capabilities and improve coordination during HADR missions. The exercise will contribute to building a more resilient and prepared South Asian Region to effectively respond to natural disasters and emergencies.