Joint India-Sri Lanka Exercise “Mitra Shakti-2015” Culminates



Joint India-Sri Lanka Exercise “Mitra Shakti-2015” Culminates 
           
            The third India-Sri Lanka Joint Training Exercise “Mitra Shakti-2015” culminated today, 12th October, 2015 after a grand closing ceremony held at Aundh Military Camp, Pune.  The 14-day joint training included understanding of transnational terrorism, developing interoperability and conduct of joint tactical operations controlled by a Joint Command Post.


Brigadier Tapan Lal Sah of the Indian Army & Brigadier KP Aruna Jayasekera of Sri Lankan Army jointly reviewed the parade commanded by Major Ashish Kumar, of Indian Army.  The Reviewing Officers as well as the Sri Lankan participating contingent were amazed when Major Ashish Kumar gave the report and sought permission to commence the proceedings fromBrigadier KP Aruna Jayasekera in chaste Sinhalese.  Martial skill display by Indian Army added colour to the impressive parade displayed by the joint contingent.

Brigadier KP Aruna Jayasekera of the Sri Lankan Army after addressing the parade, declared the joint training closed.  Observers of both the nations which included senior military officials, were unanimous in their praise for the professionally conducted training which has resulted in instilling confidence in each other’s capability to counter the common threat of terror.  The exercise demonstrated the determination of the two Armies in working closely with each other to eradicate the menace of terrorism in all its forms.

***********
Joint Military Exercise ‘Hand in Hand’- 2015 Commences 

            The fifth joint exercise between Indian and China, named ‘Hand-in-Hand 2015’, commenced  at Kunming Military Academy, Yunnan Province, China on 12 Oct.  The twelve day exercise will lay emphasis on joint handling of counter terrorism and  ‘Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief’.

            The opening ceremony commenced with an impressive parade by both  contingents wherein national flags of both countries were brought on parade, followed by national anthem of both countries. The combined parade was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ruchir Pant of Indian Army. A Weapon and Equipment Display was organized to familiarize with each others weapon systems at sub unit level. This was followed by a demonstration of skills  by the Indian  contingent, which  enthralled the audience  with a spectacular display of Yoga training,  energetic tribal dances of Nagaland and  unarmed combat skills.  The Chinese contingent displayed combat shooting and obstacle negotiation skills within the Military Academy premises.

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. He said that 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.

            Shri Ashok Kantha, the Indian ambassador to China emphasized the need to tackle terrorism jointly and stressed on expanding defence cooperation at all levels.

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 and we will continue to work together and take our traditional friendship to new heights. He stated that both countries shared common perspective regarding countering  terrorism in all its manifestations. He welcomed the proposed visit of Vice Chairman of CMC in Nov 15. The general officer thereafter declared the Exercise Hand- in -Hand open.

The exercise Hand-in-Hand-2015 will contribute immensely in developing mutual understanding and respect for each other’s military as also facilitate in tackling the world wide phenomenon of terrorism.     

http://pibphoto.nic.in/documents/rlink/2015/oct/p2015101201.pdf
**************
Bi-Annual Air Force Commanders Conference 
The Bi-Annual Air Force Commanders Conference begins on Tuesday 13th October 2015. During the conference, Air Force commanders will brief the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on various issues related to operational capability, maintenance, and human resources. Future plans of enhancing IAF’s capability will also be discussed.

The discussion during the conference would be a continuation of the theme of Operational preparedness towards any contingency, including requirements of providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. The Air Force Commanders would also discuss various issues regarding infrastructure development in the forward areas with the associated government agencies. The conference would be inaugurated by the Honb’le RM. RRM, Def Secy and Secretary DP would also be present during the inaugural session. Additional Secretary DP would attend a day long session with top Defence PSUs like HAL, BEL, OFB etc. Emphasis on ‘Make in India’ and modalities of induction of women for fighter aircraft flying would be discussed at length. 


No comments

Powered by Blogger.