Indian Army soldiers participate in a war exercise during a two-day “Know Your Army” exhibition in Ahmedabad, India, August 19, 2016. Photo: Reuters/Amit Dave
The exercise increases the level of trust and cooperation between the two border guarding forces along the Line of Actual Control
India and China on Wednesday carried out a joint army exercise in eastern Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, a move that comes amid hectic diplomatic maneuvering between the two countries over a host of issues like Nuclear Suppliers Group and designation of Masood Azhar as a terrorist by the United Nations, PTI reports.
During the day-long exercise on humanitarian aid and disaster relief, a fictitious situation of an earthquake striking an Indian border village was painted. Joint teams then carried out rescue operations, evacuation and rendering of medical assistance.
This was a follow-up on the first joint exercise held on February 6 in the area near the border personnel meeting huts at the Chushul Garrison of eastern Ladakh, along with Chinese troops of Moldo Garrison.
Sources told PTI that in February, the exercise was held in the Chinese side and this exercise was staged in the Indian side along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
…
The exercise was a great success and has not only refined the drills to provide succor to the border population in case of natural calamity, but has also increased the level of trust and cooperation between the two forces guarding the border along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, the Indian army said in a statement.
The joint exercise, compliments the “Hand in Hand” series of the India-China joint exercises and the effort of both the nations to enhance cooperation and maintain peace and tranquillity along the border areas of India and China, it said.
This year’s edition of “Hand in Hand” will be held at Aundh, near Pune in Maharashtra, from November 15 to 27.
Full article: India, China hold joint army drills in Ladakh to boost ties (Asia Times)
Global Geopolitics 