Even as diplomatic tensions between India and China continue over cross-border terrorism and India’s application to Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Indian and Chinese armies held second Joint Exercise — Sino India Cooperation 2016 — on Wednesday in Eastern ladakh. This is the first time India-China Armies conducted joint exercise in Jammu & Kashmir.
The exercise was part of the initiative to enhance interaction and cooperation between two countries, under the provisions of Border Defense Cooperation Agreement, 2013. This was a sequel to the first Joint Exercise held on February 6, 2016 in the area of Border Personnel Meeting Hut at Chushul Garrison of Eastern ladakh, along with Chinese troops of Moldo Garrison. Sources said last time the exercise took place on the Chinese side while this time it was on Indian soil.
The exercise comes at a time when India and China are intensely engaged diplomatically on the issue of New Delhi’s membership to Nuclear Suppliers Group and designation of Pakistan based militant Azhar Masood as UN recognised terrorist. China is opposed to both these moves.
However, military exercises have continued between the two sides despite the diplomatic tension. During the day long exercise on Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) a fictitious situation of earthquake striking an Indian Border village was painted after which joint teams carried out rescue operations, evacuation and medical assistance.
The Indian Team was led by Brigadier RS Raman while the Chinese side was led by Sr Col Fan Jun. Army sources said the exercise was a great success and 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 border guarding forces along the lAC in Eastern ladakh. Officials said, the joint exercise, compliments the Hand-in-Hand series between the two sides and the effort to enhance cooperation and maintain peace and tranquility along the border areas.