NEW DELHI (PTI): The Indian Army will hold a nine-day mega military exercise with militaries of over 20 African countries from March 21 in Pune with an aim to significantly boost overall cooperation, amid China's persistent efforts to expand its strategic influence in the continent.

Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande will also host an 'India-Africa Chiefs Conclave' on March 28, a day before the military exercise comes to an end, and an exhibition of indigenously-developed military platforms will be organised on March 29 by the Indian industry to showcase the country's defence manufacturing capabilities to the visiting delegates, senior Army officials said.

They said new generation equipment manufactured in India will be showcased at the exercise to give a feel of their efficacy to the troops of the participating nations.