India, China conduct second Joint tactical Exercise in Ladakh

India and China have conducted second joint military exercise “Sino India Cooperation 2016” in Ladakh region along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
The exercise compliments Hand in Hand series of India-China joint military exercises that aims to enhance cooperation and maintain peace and tranquility along border areas of both countries.
Key Facts

• The theme of the day long joint exercise was based on Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR). In it a fictitious situation of earthquake striking an Indian Border village was painted.
• Thereafter joint teams of both countries carried out rescue operations, evacuation and rendering of medical assistance.
• The exercise not only refined the drills to provide succor to the border population in case of natural calamity but has also increased the level of trust and cooperation between the border guarding forces of both countries along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.

Background

• The second edition of the exercise was conducted as part of ongoing initiative between both countries to enhance interaction and cooperation under provisions of Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA), 2013.
• The first Joint Exercise under BDCA, 2013 was held in February 2016 in the area of Border Personnel Meeting Hut at Chushul Garrison of Eastern Ladakh, along with Chinese troops of Moldo Garrison.

Comment

• This is for first time both countries have conducted military exercises in state of Jammu and Kashmir in Eastern Ladakh amidst growing uneasiness in the bilateral relationship.
• The exercise also comes in the backdrop of stalemate over India’s multilateral disagreements with China over blacklisting of Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar at the United Nations and membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2016