The fifth joint exercise between Indian and China, named ‘Hand-in-Hand 2015’, commenced  at Kunming Military Academy, Yunnan Province, China on 12 Oct.  The twelve day exercise will lay emphasis on joint handling of counter terrorism and  ‘Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief’.

            The opening ceremony commenced with an impressive parade by both  contingents wherein national flags of both countries were brought on parade, followed by national anthem of both countries. The combined parade was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ruchir Pant of Indian Army. A Weapon and Equipment Display was organized to familiarize with each others weapon systems at sub unit level. This was followed by a demonstration of skills  by the Indian  contingent, which  enthralled the audience  with a spectacular display of Yoga training,  energetic tribal dances of Nagaland and  unarmed combat skills.  The Chinese contingent displayed combat shooting and obstacle negotiation skills within the Military Academy premises.

Lt Gen Zhou Xiaozhou,  head of the Chinese Observer Delegation stated that the joint exercise will play important role in deepening mutual cooperation and forging a closer development partnership. He said that the exercise would expand the scope of military interaction, facilitate exchange of best practices in counter terrorism operations, enhance mutual understanding and trust and further promote friendly relationship between both militaries.

            Shri Ashok Kantha, the Indian ambassador to China emphasized the need to tackle terrorism jointly and stressed on expanding defence cooperation at all levels.

Lt Gen Surinder Singh, head of the Indian Observer Delegation expressed confidence that the exercise will become a landmark in the history of bilateral relations of both countries and we will continue to work together and take our traditional friendship to new heights. He stated that both countries shared common perspective regarding countering  terrorism in all its manifestations. He welcomed the proposed visit of Vice Chairman of CMC in Nov 15. The general officer thereafter declared the Exercise Hand- in - Hand open.

The exercise Hand-in-Hand-2015 will contribute immensely in developing mutual understanding and respect for each other’s military as also facilitate in tackling the world wide phenomenon of terrorism.     

Click here to see photographs

Col Rohan Anand, SM              

PRO (Army)

From Kunming, China