New Delhi: The Indian Army’s Joint Training Node (JTN) at Meghalaya’s Umroi conducted 36 joint military drills and guerilla warfare training exercises involving 22 friendly nations within a period of seven years, the army said. 


The Joint Training Node was formed in 2016 with an aim to host the armies of the friendly countries for joint military training exercises. Located in Shillong, the training facility has been developed at par with training centres of the leading armies of the world, an Indian Army press release said. 


The Umroi JTN is the nominated node of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army to conduct joint military exercises with friendly nations. Over the last seven years, the Umroi JTN has focused on strengthening military level exchanges and has reinforced the army’s commitment towards building a partnership with the friendly nations, the release said. 


“The JTN reflects India’s commitment towards enhancing cooperation among friendly nations, thus promoting global peace, and stability through mutual learning and collaboration. Since its inception, the Umroi JTN has so far witnessed rapid progress in terms of infrastructure development and has graduated from the conduct of one command post exercise in October 2017,” the army said. 


Spanning across an area of 2,500 acres, the training centre has state-of-the-art facilities for counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations. The training areas include an 800-meter sniper range with six firing lanes and elevated platforms. 


The joint warfare facility includes an information technology centre and network enabled war-game centre to ensure integration of command control communication computer intelligence and information systems.


The Umroi JTN has accommodation facilities for 450 soldiers equipped with various amenities, including a state-of-the-art gymnasium, the army release said. 


“The ongoing exercise between the Indian and the Malaysian Army at this training facility is a testament to the power of international collaboration and the relentless pursuit of military excellence, enhancing cooperation and interoperability, thus serving as a beacon of hope for a more secure and rule-based international order,” the army further said.