New Delhi (NVI): A 14-day joint military exercise between the India and Bangladesh armies–‘SAMPRITI-IX’– commenced today at Umroi, Meghalaya.
The main focus of the ninth edition of this joint exercise is on counter-terrorism operations in mountainous and jungle terrain, the Defence Ministry said in a statement today.
To achieve interoperability in joint operations, a Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a Field Training Exercise (FTX) will be conducted simultaneously, it added.
A delegation comprising of 31 officers and 138 other ranks of Bangladesh Army and a Company Group of Indian Army will participate in the joint military exercise.
The Bangladesh Army contingent is led by Brigadier General Md Shafiul Azam. Both armies would familiarise each other in various tactical drills and procedures. Soldiers from both the armies will then graduate to joint tactical operations like cordon and search, raid and house clearance drills.
The opening ceremony, which was held today, included a parade by both the army contingents and a band display. The parade was jointly reviewed by Brig. Rajesh Sharma, head of Indian Army delegation and Brig Gen Md Shafiul Azam, head of Bangladesh army delegation. The joint exercise will culminate on February 16 after a validation exercise.
