Indian-Chinese Army To Engage In ‘Hand-in-Hand’ Combat Drills

7th India-China Joint Military Exercise – Hand in Hand’: Chinese (PLA) and India Army are scheduled to conduct a joint 14-day training exercise from December 10 in the Chinese city of Chengdu to enhance their skills in fighting terrorism and promote mutual understanding, the Defence Ministry said here Thursday.

Both India and the Chinese side will send 100 troops to take part in the 7th India-China joint military exercises – ‘Hand in Hand’ – which will focus on counter-terrorism operations, Defence Ministry spokesman Col Ren Guoqiang told a media briefing.

The Indo-China dills ‘Hand in Hand’ will be held after a gap of one year as both the sides were locked in a 73-day standoff in Doklam in the Sikkim sector of the border in 2017. The tense relations between the two sides later improved resulting in an informal summit between Indian PM and Chinese counterpart in Wuhan in April this year.

“The two sides are preparing for the exercises now. The drill will promote understanding between the two militaries and improving their capabilities in fighting terrorism,” Col Ren said.

The ‘Hand in Hand’ exercises, which will conclude on December 23, will include live shooting and adoptive and basic training, he said, adding that true to its name, ‘Hand in Hand’, China and Indian militaries should also work hand in hand for the benefit of people in both the nations.

Earlier at the 9th Defence dialogue held here on November 13 between Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Lt Gen Shao Yuanming, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of Central Military Commission, the two sides discussed bilateral relations, military ties, border control as well as regional and international issues.