In a first, India, Pak to take part in military drill

NEW DELHI: Indian and Pakistani soldiers, who are ranged against each other along the volatile line of control in Jammu and Kashmir, are all set to exercise together for the first time as part of a multi-nation counter-terror wargame under the aegis of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Russia.
The exercise "Peace Mission-2018", in which soldiers from China, Russia and other SCO countries are also participating, kicked off at the 255 Combined Arms Range at Chebarkul in the Chelyabinsk region of Russia on Friday.
"The exercise will provide an opportunity to the armed forces of SCO nations to train in counter terrorism operations in an urban scenario in a multinational and joint environment. It includes professional interactions, mutual understanding of drills and procedures, establishment of joint command and control structures, and elimination of terrorist threats in mock drills," said Army spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand here.
Russia has fielded 1,700 soldiers for the exercise, followed by China with 700 and India with 200 soldiers from the Rajput Regiment and IAF personnel. The SCO was constituted in 2001 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. Now the grouping has eight full members, including India, Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Another four nations have been accorded "observer" status, while six others are "dialogue" partners.
"Indian soldiers have never actively participated in a multi-lateral exercise that included Pakistan in the past. Troops from the two countries have, however, worked together in UN missions and operations," said an officer.

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