Tackling terrorism: India, China wrap up military drills
BEIJING: Indian and Chinese troops on Saturday concluded the seventh round of counterterrorism military exercises in China’s Chengdu city during which over 100-strong contingents from both nations conducted the drills while living and dining together to build up a sense of camaraderie.
This year’s Hand-in-hand exercises focusing on urban terrorism were significant as they were held after a gap of one year. The drills were not held last year following the 73-day military stand-off at Doklam, which ratcheted up tensions between the two armies.
The specially-designed military drills were in keeping with the spirit of this year’s summit at Wuhan between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping to improve relations between the two militaries.
The fortnight-long exercises concluded with mixed teams from both armies demonstrating seven rounds of different counter-terrorism drills practised by them since December 11.
State-backed TV channel CGTN live-streamed the concluding ceremony and the exercises.
The theme of the exercises which included live firing and demonstration of driving skills was to rescue hostages held by terrorists in an urban environment. The troops also showcased other tactics and skills, such as combat firing and rope bridge crossing.
The 2016 exercises held in Pune had focused on counterterrorism exercises in non-urban areas.
“During the exercises, our soldiers and officers lived in the same rooms and ate on the same table,” said an officer of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), briefing on the exercises in the CGTN telecast.
The birthdays of a number of soldiers from both sides were also celebrated together.
The Indian contingent headed by Puneet Tomar took part in the exercises to foster closer ties between the two militaries that guard the 3,488km Line of Actual Control.
China fielded its troops from the Tibetan military command. Each side deployed 113 troops and officers. The Indian contingent will leave for home on Sunday, CGTN reported.