PANEX-21

In Context 

• A curtain-raiser for the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief exercise, PANEX-21 is being held in New Delhi.
  • It is planned from 20 December to 22 Dec 2021 at Pune. 

About PANEX-21

• It is a multi-nation disaster management exercise with a special focus on relief in the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
• It will involve Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and India—BIMSTEC countries.
  • Last BIMSTEC exercises: BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercises (DMEx-2017 at Delhi and DMEx-2020 at Puri)

• Highlights: The exercise will look at analyzing capabilities of member states and share best practices, review existing procedures for notification, preparedness and response and recommend the evolution of an organized structure with mechanisms for response to disasters including capability development, training, the regional pool of experts. 

• Aim: To foster joint planning and build regional cooperation for responding to natural disasters.

Source: PIB