Indian, Chinese armies hold joint tactical exercises in Ladakh

Indian and Chinese border troops conducted the first 'joint tactical exercise' in Chushul-Moldo area of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, were they focused on aspects related to disaster relief and humanitarian operations.

The day-long exercise held yesterday "is part of the ongoing initiatives being taken by India and China to ensure greater interaction between troops stationed along the Line of Actual Control, and thereby ensure peace and tranquility on the border," Udhampur-based Defence spokesman Col SD Goswami told PTI.

He said that as previously agreed to by both the countries, the exercise focused on actions to be coordinated to jointly tackle aspects of humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

The Indian army team of 30 personnel was led by Colonel Ritesh Chandra Singh while the Chinese side of the same strength was headed by Colonel Qu Yi, he said.

"Lasting an entire day, the joint exercise was based on a situation of a national disaster occurring on the border and the subsequent coordination of rescue mission by joint teams of both countries," Col Goswami said.

He said that the joint exercise, codenamed 'Sino-India Cooperation 2016', compliments the 'Hand-in-Hand' series of India-China joint exercises and the recently conducted border troops joint exercise in Sikkim.

The increased interaction amongst Indian and Chinese border troops is a "very positive step" in enhancing confidence and building relations between the two armies, he said.