India-China joint training exercise 'Hand In Hand' begins

The India-China joint training exercise ' Hand in Hand' aimed at enhancing counter terrorism skills got underway on Tuesday at Miao'ergang, south of Chengdu in China.

This is one of the major ongoing bilateral defence cooperation endeavors between the two countries and is the third in the series.

The exercise commenced with an opening ceremony. The exercise was declared open by Lieutenant General Yung Jin Shan in the presence of Lieutenant General Vinod Bhatia, leader of Indian Army observer group.

Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Yung Jin Shan said that such exercises would promote exchanges and communication between the two countries.

He also said that terrorism is a global challenge, and China and India face similar threats.

"This exercise is designed to consolidate, exchange tacticians skills as well as enhance mutual understanding and trust," he added.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Lieutenant General Vinod Bhatia, Indian Army observer group leader, said that this exercise is a perfect beginning for renewed bilateral cooperation and friendship.

"We intent learning best practices of each other which would be mutually beneficial for both the armies," he said.

Participating in the joint training exercise are about 160 personnel of 16 Sikh Light Infantry of Indian Army and similar strength of 1st Battalion Infantry Division of 13 group People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The national anthems of both two the nations were played which was followed by enthralling display of Chinese martial art (Chinese kungfu) by the participating PLA contingent, and breathtaking Gatka martial art (Punjabi martial art) by the Indian contingent.

The two contingents also displayed their weapons, which generated keen interest to familiarize and understand the characteristics of each other's weapons.