Press Release:INDIA- CHINA JOINT COUNTER TERRORIST EXERCISE HAND IN HAND-2015 COMMENCES AT KUNMING, CHINA 10/12/2015

The 5th India-China Joint Counter- Terrorism Exercise Hand-in-hand 2015 commenced today (12 October 2015) at Kunming, China. An Indian contingent, comprising of 175 personnel reached Kunming by IAF IL-76 aircraft on 11 October 2015. Both sides are fielding the same number of troops for the joint exercise, which will culminate on 22 October 2015. The purpose of the exercise is to develop joint operating capability, share useful experiencein counter-terrorism operations and to promote friendly exchanges between thearmed forces of India and China.

From the Indian side,Ambassador of India H.E. Ashok K Kantha and Lt. Gen. Surinder Singh attendedthe inauguration of the joint exercise. From the Chinese side, Lt. Gen. Zhou Xiaoxhou, Deputy Commander of Chengdu Military Region attended.

Lt. Gen. Zhou Xiaozhou, in his opening remarks, said that exchange of high level visits between India and China, especially the visit of President Xi Jinping to India last year and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China this year, have pushed forward our bilateral relations and said that the joint military exercises will help enhance mutual understanding and communication and cooperation between the armed forces of India and China. He also expressed appreciation for the presence of the Indian Ambassador at the opening ceremony.

Ambassador, in his speech, concurred with Lt. Gen. Zhou on the background of the growth in bilateral ties, especially the expanded defence exchanges and mentioned that the presence of the Indian Ambassador at the opening ceremony reflected theimportance that India attaches to the joint exercise and towards expanding defence exchanges between India and China. Ambassador said that the Hand-in-Hand joint exercises this year has three major points of significance.One, it is truly “joint”, comprising of joint planning, joint command, joint component units and joint action. Two, under conditions when terrorism has emerged as a major threat to humanity,the counter terror cooperation between the two militaries has added significance. Three, Ambassador said that the two armed forces should develop the habit of working together and the joint exercises are an important endeavor in that direction. India and China have agreed that peace and tranquility in the border areas is an important prerequisite for continued growth of bilateral relations. In this regard, the two countries have put in place several CBMs and the joint military exercises are an important component of the CBMs. Ambassador recalled the understanding between the leaders of the two countries and called for further strengthening the defence exchanges.

In his remarks, Lt.Gen. Surinder Singh called for strengthening defence exchanges between India and China.

Troops of both sides will undergo intensive joint training, which will include displays, demonstrations, and a comprehensive joint exercise. The Closing Ceremony is scheduled to be held on 22 October 2015.

Kunming
October 12, 2015