India and Bangladesh kick off joint military drill with focus on counter-terrorism operations

“While the aim is to build and promote positive relations between the two armies, the joint exercise also intends to enhance interoperability between the two nations and enrich from each other’s experiences while carrying out counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations,” Defence PRO Lt Col Suneet Newton said. Newton said both the nations were severely affected by terrorism and insurgents.

Taking a dig at Pakistan, Newton said the joint exercise would also send a strong signal to the world that both India and Bangladesh were united against transnational terrorism. “The joint exercise will also send a strong signal to the world that both India and Bangladesh understand the emerging threat of transnational terrorism and stand shoulder to shoulder in countering this menace,” the PRO said.

The exercise will focus on joint planning and counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous terrain with a special focus on drills and procedures followed while operating in dense jungles. Physical conditioning, training on special heli-borne operations, neutralisation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), cordon and search operations and company/platoon-level tactical drills will also be part of the six-day event.