INDIA & CHINA FIRST JOINT TRAINING EXERCISE

 

 

Press Release

 

 

           In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding on Exchange and Cooperation in the Field of Defence, signed between India and China in 2006, the first India-China Joint Training Exercise "Hand-in-Hand 2007" will commence in Kunming, tomorrow.

 

Based on the theme of "Counter Terrorism", the exercise will be conducted from 20th to 25th December.  One armed Reconnaissance Company of the PLA and an equivalent strength of Indian troops 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.  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.

 

Beijing

19th December, 2007