Over 150 Delegates Gather in New Delhi to Advance Global Mine Clearance Initiatives

New Delhi, India – India International Forum on Mine Action and Safety (IIFOMAS), organized by Horizon Safer World Foundation (HSWF), hosted a significant symposium in New Delhi today, med “Mine Action: Pathways to a Safer World.” event brought toger global leers, humanitarian organizations, and mine-action experts to discuss vancements in demining and reaffirming India’s substantial contributions to post-conflict rehabilitation worldwide.   

Founded in 2001, Horizon Group has a proven track record in post-conflict environment management, having cleared over 125 million square meters of land contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in countries such as Sri Lanka, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Kuwait. To date, group has safely disposed of more than 150,000 hazardous devices. se efforts underscore India’s commitment to fostering global peace, safety, and stability.  

India’s involvement in mine action began with operations in Sri Lanka in 2003 and continues today through significant contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions. Horizon’s extensive work in various regions highlights nation’s global humanitarian outlook and its commitment to creating a world free from remnants of war.  

Key Highlights of Symposium  

symposium, supported by think tanks India Council of World Affairs (ICWA) and Center for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), featured insightful panel discussions, expert dresses, and a showcase of cutting-edge demining technologies. Over 150 participants, including representatives from mine-affected countries, international organizations, and NGOs, attended event.

Key moments included:  

• Opening Remarks by Gen. Anil Chauhan, CDS: India’s Chief of Defence Staff emphasized importance of collaboration in humanitarian demining and praised Horizon’s dedication to mission for global safety.  
• Messages from Global Leers: Remarks from Ms. Mélanie Régimbal, Chief of UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, and Dr. Anupam Ray, India’s Permanent Representative to Conference on Disarmament, highlighted global urgency of mine action.  
• Keynote dress by Col. Navneet M.P. Mittal: Chairman and Co-founder of Horizon Group, and a pioneer in humanitarian demining in India, shared insights on evolution of mine action, global trends, and future strategies.  
• Panel Discussions: Experts engaged in two panels: one on global scenario in mine action, and or on India’s romap for vancing mine action initiatives.  
• Technological Showcase: exhibition demonstrated vanced tools and technologies in demining, offering a glimpse into India’s innovative approach to post-conflict recovery.  

Humanitarian and Socioeconomic Impact  

symposium underscored humanitarian and socioeconomic challenges of mine action, including:  

• Assisting victims and rehabilitating affected communities.  
• dressing environmental risks and ensuring infrastructure development.  
• Strengning international collaborations to bolster humanitarian efforts.  

Experts highlighted critical need for public awareness, investment in research and development, and international cooperation to achieve long-term stability in conflict-affected regions.  

India’s Role and Future Initiatives

India’s contributions to mine action through UN peacekeeping operations, combined with Horizon’s initiatives, reflect nation’s commitment to global safety and sustainable development. symposium provided a platform to vance India’s leership role in humanitarian demining, laying groundwork for future global collaborations.

Founded in 2001 by senior retired Indian Army officers, Horizon Group is committed to post-conflict environment management and humanitarian mine action. Through Horizon Assignments (India) Pvt. Ltd. and Horizon Safer World Foundation, group has spearheed groundbreaking demining efforts. IIFOMAS think tank is a flagship initiative under foundation, aimed at vancing mine action research and development.