The sixth edition of the Shanghai Coperation Organisation (SCO) Exercise Peaceful Mission: 2021 hosted by Russia started in the Orenburg Region of South West Russia on Monday.
Chief of Defence Staff(CDS)General Bipin Rawat is likely to be present there during his visit to Russia. He will also take part in the meeting of the CDS of the SCO nations. Later, Rawat will travel to the US to meet his counterparts there and hold extensive talks. It will be Rawat’s first visit to the two countries after assuming charge as the CDS in early 2020.
The aim of the exercise in Russia is to foster close relations between the SCO Member States and to enhance abilities of the military leaders to command multinational military contingents. An Indian military contingent comprising of an all arms combined force of 200 personnel from Indian Army and Indian Air force is participating in the exercise.
The opening ceremony commenced with an impressive parade by all participating contingents. The contingents were addressed by Colonel General Alexander Pavlovich Lapin, Commander Central Military District, Russian Armed Forces.
The Exercise Peaceful Mission: 2021 is based on joint counter terrorism operations at operational and tactical level in an urban environment in which Armies and Air Forces of all SCO member states are participating.
Over the next few days, troops will train, share and rehearse tactical drills which will culminate in a final validation exercise, where-in troops from all Armies and Air Forces will jointly undertake operations in a controlled and simulated environment.