A joint counter-terrorism training exercise between the Chinese and Indian armies has wrapped up in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The military exchange kicked off on December 11th, with hopes to strengthen both troops' capabilities in responding to terrorism, while also promoting mutual trust. CGTN reporter Yang Jinghao has the details.  

YANG JINGHAO CHENGDU "I'm here at the training base in Chengdu city. The joint training between the two militaries has just concluded. During the final day of the two-week program, the troops showcased some of the counter-terrorism tactics and skills they learned over the past two weeks, including obstacle training, rope bridge crossing and combat firing. Then they had a simulated rescue operation that tested their capabilities in responding to terrorism threats in urban areas. This is the seventh joint counter-terrorism training program between China and India since 2007. Both sides hailed the recent exercise as a significant move in promoting mutual trust."

WANG WEIJUN HEAD OF THE DIRECTING PANEL OF THE TRAINING "This joint training is a great opportunity for both sides to learn from each other. It has promoted our friendship and deepened the mutual understanding and trust. Such pragmatic and deep exchange is conducive to bringing the bilateral ties between the two countries to a higher level."

SANJIV RAI HEAD OF INDIAN OBSERVER GROUP "This has just been a stepping stone. In fact, we would like to see the PLA coming to India and doing some training. We also look forward to doing a lot of training not only coming to hinterland but also along the border areas, so this brings the two armies very close and we understand each other much better than what it is."

YANG JINGHAO CHENGDU "The drill has also been viewed as a step forward in implementing the consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries. During their four meetings this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi indicated their willingness to strengthen all-round cooperation, including within the military and security fields."

Last month, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a new round of talks on the boundary question here in Chengdu. The two sides agreed to implement the consensus of both leaders at all levels, including front-line troops.

Participants from both sides say they have learned a lot about each other and they hope there will be more such exchanges in the future.

YJH, CGTN, Chengdu, Sichuan Province.