The fifth edition of the joint exercise between Indian and China, codenamed ‘Hand-in-Hand 2015’, commenced at the Kunming Military Academy at Yunnan Province in China on October 12.
Here are some glimpses of the joint exercise:
The 12-day exercise will lay emphasis on joint handling of counter terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Seen, above, is a Naga Regiment trooper familiaring his Chinese counterpart with his rifle. Photograph: Indian Army
The Chinese and Indian contingents, comprising 144 servicemen each, will take part in exercises that will be held in three phases -- (1) armament display; (2) military demonstration; (3) troop training and integrated exercises. Seen, above, is an Naga Regiment trooper explaining to his Chinese counterparts the working of his rifle. Photograph: Indian Army
The armament display includes light weapons and equipment for military engineering and logistics, while the demonstration will feature shooting, group tactics and unarmed combat. Seen, above, is a Chinese soldier trying out the Indian rifle. Photograph: Indian Army
In the second phase, troops will be trained in combat, anti-terrorism tactics, humanitarian aid and disaster-relief communication. The integrated exercise will see the two sides drill a joint maneuver. Seen, above, are contingents of both countries proceeding towards the combat range. Photograph: Indian Army
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. Seen, above, are Chinese soliders at the firing range. Photograph: Indian Army
Lt Gen Zhou said 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. Seen, above, is a Chinese soldier explaining to his Indian counterpart how his rifle operates. Photograph: Indian Army
Lt Gen Zhou, also the deputy commander of the People's Liberation Army Chengdu Military Area Command, clarified that the exercise does not target a third party and is not related to regional events. Seen, above, is an Indian soldier trying the Chinese weapon. Photograph: Indian Army
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. Seen, above, are Chinese soldiers trying their hand with the Indian assault rifle at the firing range. Photograph: Indian Army
"We will continue to work together and take our traditional friendship to new heights," Lt Gen Surinder said. Seen, above, are Indian and Chinese soldiers analysing the target practice results. Photograph: Indian Army
India fielded a contingent of 175 troops from 2nd Battalion of Naga Regiment from Eastern Command which also looks after the border with China while China deployed troops from 14 Corps of China's Chengdu Military Region, whose focus is on Indian borders. Seen, above, are Indian soldiers trying out the Chinese rifle at the firing range. Photograph: Indian Army
At the opening ceremony on Monday, the Chinese contingent displayed combat shooting and obstacle negotiation skills within the Military Academy premises. Seen, above, are Chinese soldiers displaying their martial arts skills. Photograph: Indian Army
Indian contingent too enthralled with a spectacular display of yoga training, energetic tribal dances of Nagaland and unarmed combat skills. Seen, above, is an Indian soldier displaying his unarmed combat skills.Photograph: Indian Army
Addressing the troops, Indian Ambassador to China, Ashok K Kantha said the 'Hand-in-Hand' joint exercises this year are significant as they are truly "joint" in planning, command structure and in execution. "Under conditions when terrorism has emerged as a major threat to humanity, the counter-terror cooperation between the two militaries has added significance," he said. Seen, above, is Kantha assessing the Chinese rifle accompanied by Lt Gen Zhou and Lt Gen Surinder Singh. Photograph: Indian Army
This is the fifth round of exercise between both the armies. The first drill was held in southwest China's Yunnan Province in 2007, followed by drills in Belgaum in Karnataka in 2008. The third round was held in southwest China's Sichuan in 2013, followed by the fourth in Pune in 2014. Seen, above, are Chinese and Indian soldiers sharing a lighter moment after a round of tug of war. Photograph: Indian Army
