India-Bangladesh joint exercise begins

The sixth edition of India-Bangladesh Joint Military Exercise Sampriti-2016 commenced at Bangabandhu Senanibas in Tangail on Monday, an official statement said.

The 14-day long exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in mountainous and jungle terrain under the United Nations Mandate, and aims to achieve interoperability in joint operations between the troops from both sides.

In the exercise, India is represented by a company group of the Mahar Regiment.

"In the initial stages, both armies would familiarise each other in various tactical drills and procedures. They will thereafter graduate to execution of joint tactical operations like cordon and search, road opening, raid and house clearance," an official statement said.

The Sampriti series of bilateral exercises is one of the major bilateral defence cooperation initiatives between India and Bangladesh.

The previous joint exercise with the Bangladesh Army was conducted in 2015 at Binnaguri, West Bengal in India.

The exercise will conclude on November 18.

--IANS

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