The 8th edition of India-China joint training exercise named ‘Hand-In-Hand 2019’ is set to take place at Umroi, Meghalaya from the 7th to the 20th of December 2019. The theme for this year’s exercise is “Counter Terrorism” under the United Nations mandate. This exercise provides a platform for both nations to practice joint planning and conduct counter terrorist operations in semi-urban terrain.
Background of the Exercise
The military exercises between China and India, codenamed ‘Hand-In-Hand’, have a significant history. Initially, it started as a way to boost military relations between both countries. Over time, it has evolved into a tool to enhance diplomacy and foster better understanding among troops of the two nations. In 2018, this joint military exercise was held in Chengdu, China.
2017: A Year of Standoff
There was no joint training exercise in the year 2017. The absence of the exercise that year was due to a long-standing military confrontation between the Chinese and Indian troops in Doklam. The standoff, which lasted for 72 days, acted as a roadblock to the conduct of the joint military exercise.
Purpose of ‘Hand-In-Hand’
The purpose of this joint training exercise is multi-fold. Firstly, it helps in fostering mutual trust between the militaries of India and China. Secondly, it promotes understanding and interoperability between the two armies, which can be crucial in times of crisis.
Here is a detailed table showcasing some key facts about the event:
| Year | Venue | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Umroi, Meghalaya | Counter Terrorism |
| 2018 | Chengdu, China | Common Security Challenges |
| 2017 | Not held | N/A |
The ‘Hand-In-Hand 2019’ Exercise
The upcoming 8th India-China joint training exercise is set to take place in Umroi, Meghalaya. The choice of semi-urban terrain for the exercise suggests a shift in focus towards dealing with terrorist threats in such environments. This year’s theme of “Counter Terrorism” under a United Nations mandate highlights the commitment of both countries towards eliminating the threat of terrorism. The exercise is sure to strengthen the military cooperation between India and China.
Under this theme, the troops from both countries will engage in strategic consultations, joint operations and a series of combat exercises. The mutual learning and experience sharing during this period will not only boost the ability to respond to terrorist threats but also contribute to creating a peaceful and stable regional environment.
