India, Pakistan perform drill together in SCO's anti-terror exercise; China welcomes participation

"We welcome India and Pakistan's joint participation in this counter-terrorism exercise under the SCO framework," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing.

Image tweeted by @adgpi

New Delhi: Hailing India and Pakistan’s first ever participation in the mega anti-terror drill of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) being held in Russia’s Chebarkul town in Chelyabinsk region, China expressed hope that the two countries could enhance dialogue to resolve their disputes. In the anti-terror exercise of the Beijing based Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, eight countries have participated to together counter terrorism. In a rare sight, India and Pakistan were seen performing together in military exercise against terrorism China's foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing “India and Pakistan are both important South Asian countries and a stability in their relation is not only desirable for peace and development in the region but across the globe.”

India and Pakistan not only participated in the drill together but also during the review of the peace mission exercise, the commanders of the two countries sat on the same bench. Image: ABP News' screengrab The mock drill being held from August 22 to August 29 is aimed at expanding cooperation among the member countries to deal with the growing menace of terrorism and extremism. India and Pakistan are participating in the drill for the first time since becoming full members of the SCO in June 2017. The joint exercise titled Peaceful Mission 2018 being conducted by the Central Military Commission of Russia involve tactical level operations in an international counter insurgency or counter terrorism environment under the SCO Charter. "We welcome India and Pakistan's joint participation in this counter-terrorism exercise under the SCO framework," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing. "We sincerely hope that they could enhance their dialogue and cooperation both bilaterally and within multilateral mechanisms like the SCO, work together to improve their ties and jointly maintain regional peace and stability," she said. Additional Directorate General of Public Information of Indian Army shared pictures of the drill from official Twitter handle and wrote: "Contingent rehearsed and practiced tactical drills with other participating nations in counter terrorism environment. The sharing of expertise will further ameliorate relations between the SCO countries."

Ex #SCO2018. #IndianArmy contingent rehearsed and practiced tactical drills with other participating nations in counter terrorism environment. The sharing of expertise will further ameliorate relations between the #SCO countries. #IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/KaWWzdpdvE

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 26, 2018

At least 3,000 soldiers from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, India and Pakistan are participating in the drill. The Indian contingent of 200 personnel is primarily composed of troops from infantry and affiliated arms and services along with the Indian Air Force. (With inputs from PTI)