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

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

Founded in 2001, the 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, the group has safely disposed of more than 150,000 hazardous devices. These 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 the nation’s global humanitarian outlook and its commitment to creating a world free from the remnants of war.  

Key Highlights of the Symposium  

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

Key moments included:  

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

Humanitarian and Socioeconomic Impact  

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

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

Experts highlighted the 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 the nation’s commitment to global safety and sustainable development. The symposium provided a platform to advance India’s leadership role in humanitarian demining, laying the groundwork for future global collaborations.

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