India, China joint army drill ends (Lead, Changing dateline)

A joint training exercise of the armies of India and China concluded Wednesday with operations in cordon and search in an international scenario in which rifles, anti-tank rockets and drones were used, authorities said.

The joint exercise "Hand in Hand" simulated the presence of 100 terrorists on the "international border" of India and China.

The "well-trained" militants were present in three buildings fortified with underground hideouts, tunnels and bunkers and waiting for an opportunity to carry out terror attacks, said a defence ministry statement here.

"The two mixed companies of the participating contingents operated under a joint command where all elements such as recce, cordon, planning and support team of the two were integrated for joint operations.

"Rifles, mortar, grenade launchers, flame-throwers, anti-tank rockets, and UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) of the two countries were extensively used," the statement said.

"The joint command was tasked to clear the terrorist camp, capture second in-charge of the group wanted internationally presumed to be in the camp and stop any terrorist from fleeing. This was planned and executed by the two mixed companies in a joint operation."

Lt. Gen. Zhou Xiaozhou, chief of staff of Chengdu military region, and Lt. Gen. Anil Kumar Ahuja from the Indian Army were the respective leaders of the observation groups of the two countries.

Zhou said the joint training was effective as seen from the field exercise.

He said that during the exercise, participating troops from China and India shared dining tables and dorms, exchanged experiences and learned from each other.

"In doing so, we improved our tactics and technique, promoted mutual understanding and developed a strong relation," he said.

Ahuja said the two sides must use "this understanding of each other" to maintain peace.

"We have the responsibility of carrying forward the vision of our great leaders of making peace and tranquillity on our borders and of fighting against terrorism, in all forms," he said.

The exercise was conducted at Miaoergang comprehensive training area, 130 km south of Chengdu in Sichuan province of China.

"The joint training exercise on counter-terrorism was carried out in the right earnest and consistent with the aim of enhancing mutual trust, understanding and cooperation," the release said.

The exercise began Nov 5.