The 8th India-China joint training exercise ‘HAND-IN-HAND 2019’ with the theme counter-terrorism under United Nations mandate commenced today at Joint Training Node (JTN), Umroi in Meghalaya.
The People’s Liberations Army (PLA) contingent from the Tibet Military Command comprising of 130 personnel and the Indian Contingent of similar strength is participating in the 14-day long training exercise.
The exercise is planned at the company level with respective Battalion Headquarters controlling the training. The Chinese contingent is led by Col Hu Chunguang, 1st Infantry Battalion, Tibet Military Command while the Indian contingent is led by Col KJ Singh of the Kumaon Regiment.
Major General Deepak Mehra, KC, VSM, General Officer Commanding Red Horns Division during the inaugural session said, the joint- military exercise is historic as it marks the 70th year since the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and China and there are 70 other celebratory activities organised between India and China during this year.
He said, these activities will demonstrate the historic connection between the two civilizations as well as the growing bilateral relationship over the years. The activities will further, deepen people to people interaction between two countries at various levels, armed forces, legislators, businesses, academics cultural as well as youth organisation.
The focus on the initial four days of the exercise will be on Orientation to Training Area, Lectures on Counter Insurgency or Counter Terrorism environment, firing of weapons, improvised Explosive Devices drills and various other aspects.
The scope of this exercise covers company level Joint Training on Counter-Terrorism Operation in Semi-Urban Terrain under United Nations Mandate. The exercise is aimed at building and promoting positive relations between both the armies.
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