First Indo-China joint military exercise begins today

The first Sino-Indian joint training exercise codenamed Hand in Hand 2007 will commence today in Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan province of China.

New Delhi, Dec 20 : The first Sino-Indian joint training exercise codenamed "Hand in Hand 2007" will commence today in Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan province of China.

This is in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on exchange and cooperation in the field of defence, signed between India and China in 2006.

One armed reconnaissance company of the People's Liberation Army and an equivalent strength of Indian troops, led by Brigadier DS Dadwal, will participate in the exercise, which will include establishment of a joint command post, joint battle decision making and conduct of anti terrorism drills.

"The joint training exercise between the armies of the two countries is reflective of the growing relations between India and China in the field of defence," said a release from the Indian Defence Ministry.

The six-day joint counter terrorism exercise will be held till December 25.

Earlier this year, two ships of the Indian Navy made a port call at Qingdao and participated in a joint exercise with the PLA Navy. The countries also held their first ever Annual Defence Dialogue in China in November this year.

ANI